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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists counselors, therapists and counselors who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD adults must exhibit more than five symptoms that lead to impairment in work or school environments and are not better explained by other mental health disorders or conditions. Medical Doctor Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor certified to identify ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor who has prior experience treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the person with the typical behavior for their age. He or she will determine if the behavior can be explained by a distinct health issue, like depression or physical disease. The evaluator will talk to the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches, etc. The evaluator will also go over the child's educational and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause problems in school, at home, work and social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar discussions with family members and colleagues and will be required to submit a complete 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 and school. In addition, the mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood medical history and other issues, such as drug or alcohol use. Some people may feel that they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner since they are aware of their medical history. This isn't always the best option. People should think about whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in their ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that may be similar to symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD may be able receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. These doctors are usually able to assess the situation, determine if medication is needed and refer patients to an expert who can help in the treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. In some instances, the central nervous system and the brain will require a thorough examination by neurologists. A psychiatric assessment includes interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also involves evaluating the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins in the womb, or early exposure to substances and alcohol. To be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must manifest in at least two environments such as at home, work and social activities. They must also be limiting the person’s functioning and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders like depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the person's ability to do their job, they're eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A psychologist or counselor who has an advanced degree in counseling may be able to help those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can help people understand their symptoms and help how to manage them. They can also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement. When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who isn't judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient in a transparent manner. Also, you should be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor issue or have no knowledge of it, the patient might need to seek out a new provider. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can offer professional assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. how to get an adhd diagnosis may request interviews with others, like teachers and parents to gain a more complete understanding of the person's life. They also may inquire about the individual's behavior. They will attempt to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood and If not, if they have been present within the past six months. People who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. Although they may not be able to identify the condition, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their abilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, as they will not provide the necessary care. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience treating the disorder before making an appointment. It is also important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they're taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions that include relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team, such as educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common which is why it is essential to differentiate them in the course of assessment. Individuals suffering from BD may have periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment. Education Specialist If your child is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and at home it is important to discuss it with a medical professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to diagnose ADHD. Depending on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide therapy such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD, health specialists look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities of a person, whether it is at home, at school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also examine the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD. A person has to show six or more symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. It's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as is possible. This includes direct information from the patient's parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in more than one setting as often, symptoms occur differently 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 of their age and intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it indicates that the problems aren't caused by laziness or lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication and other treatments. Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in the early years of childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, certain mental health and medical issues and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making the diagnosis. When you are choosing a doctor to assess or treat your ADHD is best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It's also a good idea to do your research and find out more about the professional's credentials and experience. You might also want to inquire about their past clients and patients.