Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five signs that result in difficulties in school or at work settings and that are not more easily explained by other mental health issues or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This must be conducted by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. However, the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The physician or mental health professional will assess the patient, and examine the patient's symptoms and past. They will also examine how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with what is expected for their age. They will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a distinct issue, such as depression or physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also review the child's educational and developmental background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause problems in school, at home, work and social situations.
Adults 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 affected relationships, work or school. The professional in mental health will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical history and other issues such as drug or alcoholic use.
In some cases one might think that their primary or general care doctor is the best option to evaluate their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This is not always the best choice. People should think about whether they feel comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that might be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD may be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some instances, a neurologist will be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes assessing the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist can recommend medical testing to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery and environmental toxins in the womb or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms have to be present in two or more settings, such as at home, at work or in social activities. They must 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 the symptoms of ADHD impact the person's ability to do their job, they're qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People suffering from ADHD might get help from a psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people to recognize their symptoms and learn how to cope with these symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and support. People suffering from ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
When selecting a healthcare professional, it's crucial to choose someone who is not judgmental and willing to speak with the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to determine how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find an alternative provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders such as ADHD. They are able to offer therapies and offer expert assessments, but they cannot prescribe medication. They may ask to interview other people, such as teachers and parents to get a clearer picture of the individual's experiences. They could also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will attempt to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and, if not, whether they've been present for the last six months.
People who suspect they might have ADHD should talk with their primary care physician. They might not be able to identify the problem, but they can refer you to specialists who are. diagnosed with adhd should choose a specialist whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should stay clear of a professional who behaves judgmentally or dismisses their concerns since they are not likely to provide the level of care needed.
Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience with the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. People should also be sure to inform their health care providers about any medications they are taking, including stimulants and sedatives. These drugs can interact with each other, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions that include 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 with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during the evaluation. For instance, people with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, then mania-like episodes. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If your child has trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and at home, it's important to discuss it with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able provide treatments such as psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in a variety of situations, such as at school, home and at work as well as in relationships. They also examine the person's past symptoms as well as family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and an impulsive behavior, as defined in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. It is a difficult process and health professionals need as much information about the patient as they can. This includes information directly from teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings as often symptoms are different 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 of their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication or other treatment options.
For adults, doctors are more likely to recognize ADHD if the symptoms were present since the age of. This is due to the fact that it's thought that ADHD does not develop for the first time in adulthood. However, some mental and medical issues and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD and it's crucial to determine the cause before making a diagnosis.
It is recommended to ask trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations when selecting a health professional who can evaluate or treat ADHD. It's important to do your homework and find out more about the professional's credentials and experience. You might even consider asking about their previous patients and clients.