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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists, counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included in the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five signs, that can cause problems at school or at work and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough evaluation is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses as well as psychiatrists or neurologists and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatrist, especially if they have expertise in treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look at his or her symptoms, past history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person with what is expected for their age. The evaluator will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a different issue, such as physical or mental illness. For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's educational and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display six or more symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least two times and cause difficulties at home, school or at work and in social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar conversations with family members and coworkers and will also be asked to provide complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them and whether it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also examine the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use. Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner since they know their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. People should consider whether or not the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor regarding this particular issue, and if they feel confident that the doctor can recognize and rule out any medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In certain instances, a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in a patient. These doctors are typically capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is required and recommend patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists nurse practitioners, physician assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the brain and central nervous system. A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, as well as 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 other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two settings, including at home, work, and social activities. They must also be significantly hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be attributed to other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance they could be qualified for reasonable accommodations. People suffering from ADHD might get help from a psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist patients to recognize their symptoms and learn how to cope with them. They can also offer emotional assistance and motivation. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who isn't judgmental and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. It is also important to think about how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they don't seem to have understanding of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue the patient may have to find a new doctor. Psychologist While they may have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can provide expert assessment and therapy however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, including teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They may also ask about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not it is if they have only been present for the past six months. Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should consult their primary care physician. They might not be able to determine the cause, but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel confident and at ease. They should avoid specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns as they will not provide the care required. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, including family physicians and psychiatrists. However, one should 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 including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger an array of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them during the evaluation. how do i get an adhd diagnosis with BD may experience periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can 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 hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and home life, it's important to discuss the issue with a medical professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide treatments such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD medical specialists look at a variety of factors. They analyze the signs, and how they affect a person's daily functioning whether at home, in school, at work or 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 have at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive, as described in diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a rigorous process, so health professionals must have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. 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's or child in various settings, as symptoms may differ in different situations. 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. Diagnosis is a relief, because it indicates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or lack of brainpower and can be helped with medication or other treatments. Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is due to the belief that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's crucial to rule out these conditions prior to making an accurate diagnosis. When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, relatives, friends and therapists you trust. You should also conduct your research and learn about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You may consider asking about the previous clients and patients they have served.