Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms which cause impairment at work or at school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to identify accurately ADHD. This must be conducted by a medical doctor or mental health professional who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master-level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. However, the best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and examine the patient's symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will assess the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. The evaluator will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by another illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause difficulties at home, school or at work and in social settings.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough 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. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical history, and other problems such as alcohol or drug use.
Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner since they know their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. It is important to consider whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in his or her ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances the primary care physician may be able to identify ADHD in patients. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication may be required. how do i get an adhd diagnosis may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some instances, the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance as well as medical and family history, and filling out 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 birth, environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to drugs and alcohol.
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 must also hinder the person’s functioning and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance they could be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People with ADHD may get help from a counselor or psychologist with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can assist patients to understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and encourage. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize it's not their fault.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's important to choose a person who is nonjudgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack knowledge of ADHD or view it as an unimportant condition the patient may have to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders such as ADHD. They can offer therapy and provide expert assessments however, they are not able prescribe medication. They may ask others to be interviewed, for instance parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood, and in the event that they have not, whether they have been present within the last six months.
Anyone who is concerned that they might have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able diagnose the condition, they may refer patients to specialists who are able to. People should choose professionals they are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they will not provide the necessary care.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience treating the disorder before making an appointment. People should also be sure to inform their health care providers about any medication they are taking, especially stimulants and sedatives. These medications could cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to differentiate them in the course of assessment. For instance, those suffering from BD will often have periods of extreme depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Education Specialist
It's important to speak to a medical professional in the event that you or your child is experiencing issues with hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive, which can disrupt school and home life. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical specialists look at a variety of factors. They analyze the signs and the way they impact the person's daily life, whether it is at home, in the classroom, at work, or in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person must show six or more symptoms, such as hyperactivity or inattention, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are outlined 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 they can to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate 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 realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brainpower. They can be treated with medication and other treatments.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who have been present since childhood. This is due to the fact that it's believed that ADHD does not develop at the beginning of adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, along with major life events can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's crucial to rule these out before making an accurate diagnosis.
When selecting a healthcare professional to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to get recommendations from 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 might even want to ask about their previous clients and patients.