Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
Adults who are 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
A thorough examination is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This must be conducted by a medical doctor or mental health professional who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment, including family nurses, doctors as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the best method of diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatrist, specifically one with experience treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and look into the patient's symptoms and past. They will also look at how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with the typical behavior for their age. The evaluator will determine if the behavior can be explained by a distinct condition, such a physical or mental illness.
The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. diagnosing adhd includes coaches, daycare providers, etc. The evaluator will also review the child's educational and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in difficulties at home, school, the workplace and in social settings.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar discussions with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide 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 and school. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical history, and other problems such as alcohol or drug use.
In certain situations, a person may feel that their primary physician is the best person to evaluate their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical history. This is not always the best choice. People should consider whether the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor about this specific problem and also if they believe that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical condition that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary care physician. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that can diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases an neurologist may be needed to evaluate the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric examination includes interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes evaluating school performance 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 any other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be able to identify ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must be evident in more than one setting like at home, at work and in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's performance and not be attributed to other mental disorders 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 with ADHD might benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can help people to understand their symptoms and help them cope with these symptoms. They also provide emotional support and support. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
It's crucial to select the right healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and who is able to speak freely with the patient. It's also important to consider how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor issue or aren't aware of it, the patient may require a new provider.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can provide counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however, they are not able prescribe medications. They may ask other people to be interviewed, for instance teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the person's life. They also may inquire about the individual's present behavior. They will attempt to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood and, if not, whether they've been present in the last six months.
People who suspect they have ADHD should consult their primary care physician. Although they may not be able to identify the problem, they can refer patients to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns because they are not likely to provide the level of care required.
Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, one should find out which practitioners have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications can interact with each other, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them during assessment. For example, individuals with BD typically experience periods of extreme depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
It's important to speak to a medical professional if you or your child are experiencing problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive, which can be disruptive to school and at-home life. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. Based on their training and experience, they could be able to offer psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health specialists look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they impact the person's everyday functioning in several settings, including at home, school, work and in relationships. They also look at the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a rigorous process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It's especially important to assess a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting as often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it shows that the problems are not due to laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be treated by medication or other treatment options.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize ADHD if the symptoms have been present since childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, some mental health and medical conditions and life events could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to rule out other causes before making a diagnosis.
When you are choosing a doctor to evaluate or treat your ADHD is best to get recommendations from relatives, friends and therapists you are comfortable with. It's important to do your homework and find out more about the professional's credentials and experience. You may even consider asking about the past clients and patients they have served.