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Who Diagnoses ADHD? The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioner are also able to conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication. To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must show more than five signs that lead to impairment in work or school settings and that are not better explained by other mental health disorders or conditions. Medical Doctor Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be done by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors with degrees in psychology or counseling. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor particularly if they have expertise in treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, their history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. The evaluator will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a different health issue, like depression or physical illness. The evaluator will speak with the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and other daycare providers. The evaluator also examines the child's development and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause impairments at school, home or at work and in social situations. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar conversations with their family members and friends, as well as an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have affected relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also assess the person's mood, medical history as well as other issues such as drug or alcoholic use. Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner as they are aware of their medical background. This isn't always the best option. One should think about whether or not the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor about this particular issue and if they feel confident that the PCP is able to identify and eliminate any medical conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In certain instances, those who suffer from ADHD might be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication may be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In certain cases an neurologist may be needed to assess the central nervous system and the brain. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing school performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical tests to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. These include problems with birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two environments that include at home, work, and social activities. They should also be hindering the person's ability to function and must not be attributed to other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance, they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations. People suffering from ADHD might be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people to understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with their symptoms. They also provide emotional support and motivation. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement. When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who is not judgmental and willing to speak with the patient in a transparent manner. It is also important to be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient might require another doctor. Psychologist Although they hold advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health issues such as ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may request interviews with others, like parents and teachers to get a clearer understanding of the person's life. They can also inquire about the individual's behavior in the 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 that they have ADHD should talk with their primary care provider. While they may not be able to identify the condition, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who can. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel comfortable and comfortable. They should stay clear of a doctor who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns since they will not be able to provide the quality of care needed. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Before making an appointment, it's crucial to determine which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. Inform your doctor of the medications you are taking including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These drugs can interact with each other, resulting in dangerous side effects. A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists, speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD share many symptoms which is why it is essential to differentiate them during the evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression which are followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis. Education Specialist If your child has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that causes disruption to home and school life it's crucial to discuss it with a healthcare professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy. When determining ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They look at the symptoms and the way they impact the person's daily life whether at home, at school, in the workplace, or in relationships. They also consider the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have at least six or more signs of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, as listed in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. It is a difficult process and health professionals must have as much information on the patient as they can. This includes direct information from parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings as often symptoms are different in different settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication or other options for treatment. In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who were present since the age of. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time in adulthood. However, some medical and mental health illnesses and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to rule out other causes before making the diagnosis. adhd diagnosis to ask trusted friends or family members, as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing an expert in health care who can examine or treat ADHD. You should also do your research and learn about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You may even be interested in their previous clients and patients.