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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists counselors, therapists and counselors who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers also perform initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five symptoms which cause impairment at work or in school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. This should be conducted by a mental health professional or medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master level counselors with degrees in psychology or counseling. However, the best option to diagnose ADHD could be a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients suffering from ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and examine his or her symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The examiner will compare the person's behavior with the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will determine if the behavior can be explained by a different issue, such as depression or physical illness. The evaluator will interview the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more signs such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause problems in school, at home, work and social settings. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends, as well as a complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have impacted relationships, work and school. Additionally the mental health professional will examine the person's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, like alcohol or drug use. Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they know his or her medical history. This isn't always a good idea. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their physician and if the PCP is confident in his ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances a primary care physician may be able to identify ADHD in patients. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases, the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology. A psychiatric evaluation involves interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two environments that include at work, home, and social activities. They must also be significantly 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 the symptoms of ADHD impact a person's ability to perform their job, they are eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A psychologist or counselor who has an advanced degree in counseling may be able to aid people with ADHD. These professionals can assist patients to understand their issues and help them cope with these symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. It is essential to choose the right healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find another doctor. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders such as ADHD. They can provide counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however, they are not able prescribe medications. They may request interviews with other people, such as teachers and parents to get a clearer picture of the individual's experiences. They may also inquire about the individual's behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not, if they have only been present for the last six months. Anyone who is concerned that they might have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able diagnose the condition, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who are able to. People should select professionals with whom they feel comfortable and at ease. They should avoid professionals who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns as they won't offer the proper care. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications could cause dangerous side effects if they interact. how to get diagnosed with adhd of ADHD can trigger an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapy and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions like bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them in the course of the evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD typically experience periods of severe depression, followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, be easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis. Educational Specialist If you or a child seems to have trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes disruption to home and school life it is important to talk about it with a health professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all trained to diagnose ADHD. Depending on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able to offer treatments such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration several factors. They assess the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in a variety of environments, including at home, school and at work as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity or inattention and the ability to be impulsive, as described in the diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. This is a very rigorous process, so health professionals need to have the most complete information possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting since often symptoms manifest differently in different settings. When people are diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their struggles at work or at home are not typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it indicates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be treated by medication or other options for treatment. In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms have been present since the age of. This is due to the fact that it's believed that ADHD does not develop at the beginning of adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events, can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making an accurate diagnosis. When you are choosing a doctor to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It is also advisable to conduct your research and find out more about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You may consider asking about the previous clients and patients they have served.