Ten Myths About Who Diagnoses ADHD That Aren't Always True Who Diagnoses ADHD?

Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also perform initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, that can cause problems at work or at school 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 performed by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses as well as psychiatrists or neurologists and master-level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist, particularly one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD.

The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and examine his or her symptoms, past history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The examiner will compare the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. They will determine if the behavior can be attributed to a different issue, such as depression or physical disease.

The evaluator will speak with the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and other daycare providers. The evaluator also examines the child's development and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display six or more signs such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause impairments at school, home, the workplace and in social situations.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and colleagues and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work and school. Additionally the mental health professional will examine the person's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, such as drug or alcohol use.

In certain situations one might think that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best option to assess them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. One should consider whether they are at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in their ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD.

Psychiatrist

In certain instances a primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in the patient. These doctors are typically competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is needed and refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. In certain cases, the central nervous system and the brain will require evaluation by neurologists.

A psychiatric evaluation includes interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical testing in order to rule out other ailments or diseases that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This could include low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.

For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must be evident in at least two settings that include at home, work and social activities. They must also be hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be attributed to other mental disorders 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 with ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist patients to understand their issues and learn how to cope with their symptoms. They also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. People who suffer from ADHD often feel judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault.

When selecting a healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who is not judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to consider how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack understanding of ADHD or treat it as a minor condition The patient may need to seek a different provider.

Psychologist

Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may ask to interview other people, such as parents and teachers to get a clearer picture of the individual's experiences. They also may inquire about the individual's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood, and, if not, whether they've been present in the past six months.

Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary care physician. While they may not be able to identify the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who are able to. Patients should select specialists they trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid specialists who judge or ignore their concerns, since they won't provide the necessary care.

Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, it is important to determine which doctors have the most experience with the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Also, it is important to tell their healthcare providers about any medication they are taking, especially sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can trigger dangerous adverse effects when they interact.

A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger various emotions, including relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.

People with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms which is why it is essential to differentiate them during assessment. Full Review suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.

Educational Specialist

It is essential to talk to a health care professional if you or your child is having problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, which could be disruptive to school and at-home life. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. Based on their training and qualifications, they may be able to offer psychotherapy.


When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms, and how they affect a person's daily functioning whether at home, at school, at work or in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.

A person must show six or more symptoms, like hyperactivity or inattention, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a lengthy process, so health professionals need to have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate a child's or teenager's behaviour in a variety of settings, since the symptoms can differ across situations.

If someone is diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their struggles at home or at work aren't typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it means that the issues aren't caused by laziness or lack of brain power and can be treated by medication and other treatments.

Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present since the early years of childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. However, some mental and medical conditions and major life events can produce symptoms that resemble ADHD and it's crucial to determine the cause before making an assessment.

When choosing a health professional to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you trust. It's recommended to research and learn more about the credentials of the practitioner and expertise. You might be interested in the past clients and patients they have served.