15 Things You Didn't Know About Who Diagnoses ADHD Who Diagnoses ADHD?

Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms, that cause impairment at school or at work and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.

Medical Doctor

To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. This should be conducted by a mental health professional or medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists, and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially if they have experience treating ADHD patients.

The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and review his or her symptoms and their history. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person with what is expected for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms are better explained by another condition, such as depression or a physical illness.

The evaluator will talk to the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and other daycare providers. The evaluator also examines the child's educational and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least six of the symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and result in impairments at school, at home, work and social settings.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues, as well a complete medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have impacted relationships, work and school. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical history, and other problems such as alcohol or drug use.

In some instances, a person may feel that their general practitioner or primary care doctor is the best choice to test their condition for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This isn't always the best option. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in his ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD.

Psychiatrist

In some cases the primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in patients. They are usually able to assess the situation, determine if medication is required and recommend patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases the brain and central nervous system will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology.

A psychiatric evaluation involves interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes evaluating school performance and medical and family histories and filling out mental health assessments and questionnaires. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out any other ailments or diseases that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. ADHD Diagnosis includes low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to alcohol and drugs.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must appear in at least two different settings that include at home, work and social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance and must not be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact the person's work performance they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.

A counselor or psychologist with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to help people with ADHD. They can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to deal with these symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and support. People with ADHD often feel like they're considered unfit to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.

It's crucial to select a healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and willing to communicate openly with the patient. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack knowledge of ADHD or treat it as an unimportant condition The patient may need to find a new doctor.

Psychologist

Although they hold advanced degrees and are referred to as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They are able to offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, including teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the person's experience. They may also ask about the individual's behavior in the present. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood and, if not, whether they've been present for the past six months.

People who suspect they have ADHD should speak with their primary care doctor. They may not be able diagnose the condition but they could refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel secure and at ease. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they will not offer the proper care.

Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, a person should find out which practitioners have the most experience treating the disorder before making an appointment. Inform your doctor about any medication you take including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These drugs can interact with each other which can cause dangerous adverse effects.


A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety 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 suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms which is why it is essential to differentiate them during assessment. For instance, those suffering from BD typically experience periods of extreme depression then mania-like episodes. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist with diagnosis and treatment.

Education Specialist

It is essential to talk to a health care professional in the event that you or your child is experiencing issues with hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior, which could disrupt school and home life. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. According to the professional's training and experience, they could be able to offer psychotherapy.

When diagnosing ADHD medical experts look at a range of factors. They assess the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in various environments, including at home, school and at work as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's past symptoms and the family history of ADHD.

A person has to show six or more symptoms, like hyperactivity or inattention, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a lengthy procedure, and health professionals must have as much information as they can to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings as often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.

Often, people who get diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief since it shows that the problems aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication or other treatment options.

In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms were present since the age of. This is due to the belief that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, as well as major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It is important to rule out these conditions prior to making a definitive diagnosis.

When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It's recommended to do your research and learn more about the credentials of the practitioner and expertise. You may also want to ask about their previous patients and clients.