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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists as well as counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that result in difficulties in school or at work environments and are not more easily explained by other mental health disorders or conditions. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist, and master level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option to diagnose ADHD could be a psychiatric physician, especially one with experience treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient, and examine the patient's symptoms and past. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with the typical behavior for their age. The evaluator will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a different condition, such a depression or physical illness. For children the evaluator will talk to parents, teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's development and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and result in difficulties at home, school at work, and in social settings. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar conversations with their family members and friends and will be required to submit an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have affected relationships, work and school. The mental health professional will also assess the person's mood, medical history, and other problems like alcohol or drug use. In certain situations, a person may feel that their primary health care provider is the best choice to assess their condition for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always an ideal choice. One should think about whether they are comfortable speaking to their doctor about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the doctor can recognize and eliminate any medical conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances a primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in a patient. These doctors are usually capable of assessing the situation, determine if medication is necessary and refer patients to an expert who can help with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians assistants. In certain cases an neurologist may be needed to assess the central nervous system and brain. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, evaluating the student's performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD like low birth weight, complications during the delivery and environmental toxins in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in at least two environments such as at home, work and social activities. They should also be restricting the person's performance and cannot be better explained by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they are qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A psychologist or counselor who has a master's in counseling may be able to assist people with ADHD. These professionals can help people understand their symptoms and teach them to cope with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. When choosing a healthcare professional, it's crucial to choose someone who isn't judgmental and willing to talk to 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 dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient may require another doctor. Psychologist While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can provide therapy and provide expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers, to get a better understanding of the person's life. They also may ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and if not it is if they have only been present for the past six months. Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD should talk with their primary care doctor. They might not be able to determine the cause, but they can refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should avoid professionals who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns as they are not able to provide the necessary care. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Before making an appointment, it is crucial to determine who is the most knowledgeable in treating ADHD. Tell your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking, including sedatives and stimulating drugs. These medications could cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of 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 with ADHD often have co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression (BD). IamPsychiatry and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them in the course of evaluation. For instance, people with BD will often have periods of severe depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. They may be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD for help with diagnosis and treatment. Education Specialist If your child or you is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home 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 might also be able to offer therapy such as psychotherapy. When determining ADHD health professionals look at a number of factors. They analyze the signs, and how they affect the person's daily life, whether it is at home, at school, at work, or in relationships. They also examine the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and an impulsive behavior, as defined in the diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a very rigorous process, which is why health professionals must have the most complete information possible to make the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to assess a child's or teenager's behaviour in various settings, as the symptoms can differ across environments. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief since it means that the problems aren't due to lack of focus or insufficient of brainpower and can be helped with medication and other treatments. Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present in the beginning of their lives. It's because they believe that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, along with major life events may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule out these conditions prior to making an accurate diagnosis. When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you trust. You should also do your research and find out more about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You might even consider asking about the previous clients and patients they have served.