Who Diagnoses ADHD? Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they can't prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that result in problems in school or work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough evaluation is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be conducted by a mental health professional or medical doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master-level counselors with a degree in counseling or psychology. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician who has experience treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will assess the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the person's age. They will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a distinct issue, such as depression or physical disease. For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and cause problems in school, home, work and social settings. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them and whether it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. In addition the mental health professional will examine the individual's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, such as drug or alcohol use. Some people might think that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical background. This isn't always the best option. One should consider whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their doctor and if the PCP is confident in their ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In certain instances the primary care physician may be able to identify ADHD in patients. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication will be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases, the central nervous system and the brain will require evaluation by a neurologist. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical testing in order to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol. To be able to identify ADHD the symptoms of the patient must be present in two or more settings like at home, at work or in social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance, they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. People with ADHD might be able to benefit from seeing a psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals are able to help people understand their symptoms and help them to cope with these symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and encouragement. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD. When selecting a healthcare professional, it's important to choose someone who is not judgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. It is also important to take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or view it as a minor condition, the patient may need to find a different doctor. https://anotepad.com/notes/yibftybb While they have advanced degrees and are addressed as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask others to be interviewed, including parents and teachers to gain a greater understanding of the person's experience. They may also ask about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since childhood, and if not the case if they've only been present for the past six months. Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should talk with their primary care doctor. They may not be able to determine the cause, but they can refer you to specialists who are. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their abilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, as they are not able to offer the proper care. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, including family physicians and psychiatrists. Before making an appointment, it's important to find out which doctors are the most familiar in treating ADHD. Inform your doctor of any medication you take including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These medications can cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common which is why it is essential to distinguish them during assessment. People suffering from BD might experience periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred mental health specialists who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Educational Specialist If you or a child has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and at home it is important to discuss the issue with a health professional. Health professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on their training and qualifications, they may be able provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in various environments, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. A person has to show six or more symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a challenging process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings, as symptoms may differ in different settings. Often, people who get diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it indicates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack in brain power. They can be treated by medication or other treatments. Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms were present since the age of. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, some medical and mental health illnesses and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD therefore it's essential to determine the cause before making an assessment. It's best to ask trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can examine or treat ADHD. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You might even want to ask about their previous patients and clients.