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Who-can-diagnose-adhd-
By Angie Dixon
A lot of parents have questions about who to consult when they suspect their child might have ADHD. Who can diagnose? Who can treat? What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Let's start with the last one first. A psychologist is a non-medical therapist or counselor. This person may have a Ph.D. and be called "Dr." but is not a physician.
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a physician and can prescribe medications.
Let's talk about who can diagnose and what they can do.
Basically, five groups of people can diagnose ADHD.
To begin with, you might take your child to the pediatrician or family doctor. As a physician, he or she can diagnose and prescribe medication if needed, but would not provide counseling or training for dealing with ADHD.
You might be referred to a psychiatrist. As mentioned, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in psychiatric issues. A psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD, prescribe medications if needed, and might provide counseling or training.
A psychologist can also diagnose ADHD, and often does. Psychologists
cannot prescribe medication, but do provide counseling or training for clients.
Clinical social workers, like psychologists, can diagnose and provide counseling, but cannot prescribe medication.
Neurologists may be the least common doctors seen for ADHD. They can diagnose and prescribe, but do not provide counseling or training.
In the end, it comes down to who you're most comfortable with. Certainly it makes sense to begin with your child's pediatrician and ask for a referral to a specialist who deals with if necessary. Article Source: http://www.upublish.info About the Author:
Angie Dixon
Angie Dixon is a writer and mom of an son, Jack. For a free report on helping your son, see Angie's site "That's My Son!" at http://www.Raising-the-ADHD-boy.com.
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