Who Diagnoses ADHD? The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, which cause impairment at work or in school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be conducted by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor qualified to diagnose ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment, including family doctors, nurses as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. However, the most effective option for diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, particularly one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD. The physician or mental health professional will evaluate the patient, and examine his or her symptoms and their history. They will also consider how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person to what is normal for their age. He or she will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness. For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's development and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more signs like hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in problems at home, school at work, and in social settings. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have interfered with relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use. In some cases it is possible for a person to believe that their primary health care provider is the best choice to evaluate their symptoms for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This is not always the best choice. It is important to consider whether the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP regarding this particular issue, and if they are confident that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases, people with ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary health care provider. They are usually competent to evaluate the situation and determine if medication is necessary and send patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some cases, a neurologist will be needed to assess the central nervous system and the brain. A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, as well as assessing school performance and medical history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can suggest medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This could include problems with birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to alcohol and drugs. To be able to identify ADHD, the person's symptoms must be evident in more than one setting, such as at home, at work and in social activities. They must also be hindering the person's ability to function and must not be better explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms affect a person's job performance, they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. A psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling might be able to aid those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can assist patients to understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with them. They can also provide emotional assistance and encourage. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement. It's crucial to select the right healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. It is also important to think about how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack understanding of ADHD or view it as a minor issue The patient may need to seek a different provider. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can offer therapies and offer expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can ask other people to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will try to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood, and, if not, whether they have been present within the past six months. Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able to determine the cause, but they can refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns as they will not be able to provide the level of care required. Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to determine which doctors have the most experience treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Also, it is important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, including stimulants and sedatives. These medications can cause dangerous side effects if they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about an array of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed, seek additional support from your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to differentiate them in the course of evaluation. Individuals with BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Educational Specialist If you or a child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that causes disruption to home and school life it is important to talk about it with a health professional. Health professionals who are qualified to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Depending on the professional's qualifications and experience, they might also be able to offer treatments such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals consider various factors. They look at the symptoms, and how they affect the person's daily life whether at home, in school, in the workplace or in relationships. http://b3.zcubes.com/v.aspx?mid=13291364 look at the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and the ability to be impulsive, as described in diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a challenging process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as they can. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager's or child in a variety of settings, since the symptoms can differ across settings. When people are diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their struggles at home or at work aren't typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it indicates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be addressed with medication and other treatments. Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present since the early years of childhood. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD cannot develop at the beginning of adulthood. However, some mental and medical illnesses and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD therefore it's essential to determine the cause before making a diagnosis. It's best to ask your trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations when selecting the right health professional to examine or treat ADHD. You should also conduct your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You might also want to inquire about the past clients and patients they have served.