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Who IamPsychiatry ADHD? The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms, that can cause problems at school or at work and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be done by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment, including family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors who have an education in counseling or psychology. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatrist particularly if they have experience treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, past history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by a different illness, such as depression or physical illness. For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least six of the symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in difficulties at home, school at work, and in social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will have similar interviews 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 or school. The mental health professional will also examine the person's mood, medical background, and other problems like alcohol or drug use. Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner as they are aware of their medical background. This isn't always a good idea. It is important to consider whether the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases the primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in patients. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some instances an neurologist may be required to examine the brain and central nervous system. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing the student's performance as well as medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical tests to rule out other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol. 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 should also be limiting the person's functioning and cannot be better explained by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. People suffering from ADHD might benefit from seeing a psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. They can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to manage these symptoms. They also provide emotional support and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose someone who isn't judgmental and willing to talk to the patient openly. It's also important to determine how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack knowledge of ADHD or view it as a minor condition, the patient may need to find a new doctor. 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. They may ask to interview other people, such as teachers and parents, to get a better picture of the individual's experiences. They can also inquire about the individual's current behavior. They will determine if the symptoms have been present since childhood, and if not it is if they have only been present for the past six months. Anyone who suspects that they might be suffering from ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able diagnose the condition but they could refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, as they will not offer the proper care. Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience with the disorder before making an appointment. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medication they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to differentiate them during evaluation. Individuals suffering from BD may experience periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and may forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis. Education Specialist It's important to speak with a health professional when you or your child is having trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive, which can be disruptive to school and at-home life. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on their training and qualifications, they may be able to provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD, health specialists look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms, and how they affect the daily activities of a person whether at home, in the classroom, at work, or in relationships. They also consider the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD. A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a very rigorous procedure, and health professionals must have as much information as possible to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in various settings, as the symptoms can differ across situations. When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at home or at work aren't typical of their age and intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it means that the issues aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power. They can be treated with medication or other treatments. Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present since the beginning of their lives. 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 life events could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD and it's crucial to identify other causes prior to making a diagnosis. 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 are comfortable with. You should also conduct your research and find out more about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You may even be interested in their previous clients and patients.