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Who Diagnoses ADHD? The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five symptoms, which cause impairment at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough examination is required to identify accurately ADHD. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor qualified to diagnose ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, such as family doctors, nurses as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master-level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. But the best option to diagnose ADHD could be a psychiatrist, particularly one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and review his or her symptoms and history. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will assess the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms can be explained better by another illness, such as depression or a physical illness. The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and others. The evaluator will also review the child's educational and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display six or more signs like hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least two times and cause problems at home, school at work, and in social settings. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will have similar interviews with family members and colleagues and will be required to submit complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work and school. Additionally, the mental health professional will assess the individual's mood, medical history and other problems, such as alcohol or drug use. In some cases, a person may feel that their primary or general health care provider is the best person to assess them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. People should think about whether they feel comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in his or her ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases a primary care physician may be able diagnose ADHD in patients. These doctors are usually capable of assessing the situation, determine if medication is required and send patients to specialists who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician assistants. In some cases the brain and central nervous system will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include problems with birth weight, complications during delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two environments such as at home, work and social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance and cannot be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms affect a person's job performance they could be eligible for reasonable accommodations. A counselor or psychologist with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can assist patients to understand their issues and learn to deal with them. They can also offer emotional assistance and support. People suffering from ADHD often feel judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but receiving a diagnosis can help them realize it's not their fault. When choosing a healthcare professional, it's important to choose a person who is nonjudgmental and willing to communicate with the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to determine the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack understanding of ADHD or view it as a minor issue The patient may need to find a new doctor. Psychologist While they may have advanced degrees and are addressed as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They may also ask about the person's current behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and if not the case if they've only been present for the past six months. Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they may assist in referring patients to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they trust and feel confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, as they are not able to provide the necessary care. Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults with ADHD. However, a person should determine which doctors have the most experience in treating the disorder before making an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These drugs can interact with each other and cause dangerous adverse effects. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about a range emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists, speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to differentiate them during assessment. adult diagnosis of adhd with BD may have periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment. Education Specialist If you or a child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that can be disruptive to home and school life it is important to talk about it with a medical professional. Health professionals who are certified to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD, health professionals look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in a variety of settings, including at home, school or at work, as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, as listed in diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a challenging process and health professionals need as much information on the patient as is possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. 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 someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their difficulties at work or at home are not typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack in brain power. They can be treated with medication and other treatment options. In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is due to the fact that it's believed that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time until adulthood. Certain mental and medical illnesses, as well as major life events can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It is important to rule out these conditions prior to making an official diagnosis. When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should get recommendations from people you know, family members and therapists you trust. It's recommended to do your homework and find out more about the professional's credentials and expertise. You may also be able to inquire about their previous clients and patients.