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Who Diagnoses ADHD? The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors 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. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit 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 Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be conducted by a mental health professional or medical doctor who is trained to diagnose ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, including family nurses, doctors, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master-level counselors who have degrees in psychology or counseling. However, the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatric physician, especially one with experience treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and look at his or her symptoms, their history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient with the typical behavior for their age. The evaluator will also determine if the symptoms are more easily explained by another condition, such as depression or physical illness. For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause impairments in school, at home, work and social settings. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar discussions with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide a complete medical and mental health history. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work or school. In addition, the mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood and medical history, as well as other problems, such as drinking or using drugs. Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner since they know their medical history. This is not always an ideal choice. People should think about whether they feel comfortable discussing this problem with their physician and whether the PCP is confident in his or her ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that may be similar to symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases the primary care physician may be able diagnose ADHD in a patient. 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 are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases an neurologist may be required to examine the brain and central nervous system. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance and medical history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical testing in order to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol. To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms must be present in more than one setting including at home, at work or in social activities. They should also be hindering the person's ability to function and must not be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the ability of a person to do their job, they are eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. People suffering from ADHD may get help from an experienced psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and learn to deal with their symptoms. They can also provide emotional support and motivation. People who suffer from ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault. It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be a minor condition, the patient may need to find a new doctor. Psychologist While they have advanced degrees and are addressed as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They can offer therapy and provide expert assessments, but they cannot prescribe medications. They may request interviews with other people, such as parents and teachers, to get a better understanding of the person's life. They can also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if symptoms have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not, if they have only been present for the past six months. People who suspect that they may have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able determine the cause, but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns as they are unlikely to provide the quality of care that is required. Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before making an appointment, it's important to find out who is the most knowledgeable in treating ADHD. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications can interact with each other which can cause dangerous side effects. A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, such as 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 suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD share many symptoms which is why it is essential to differentiate them during evaluation. For example, individuals with BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can help in the treatment and diagnosis. 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 discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. Based on their training and credentials, they might be able to provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD medical experts look at a range of factors. They look at the symptoms, and how they affect the daily activities of a person whether at home, at school, at work, or in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must show 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and an impulsive behavior, as defined in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a complicated process and health professionals need as much information about the patient as they can. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is essential to analyze a child's or teenager's behaviour in multiple settings, as symptoms can vary in different settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves struggling at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their intelligence and age. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the issues aren't caused by laziness or lack of brain power and can be treated with medication or other treatments. how do i get an adhd diagnosis are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present since childhood. This is because it's currently believed that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time until adulthood. However, some medical and mental health illnesses and major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to determine the cause before making an assessment. It is recommended to ask trusted family members, friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can evaluate or treat ADHD. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You might also consider asking about their previous clients and patients.