Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The 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 also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must have more than five signs that result in impairment in work or school settings, and aren't more easily explained by other mental health disorders or conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to identify accurately ADHD. This should be conducted by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor qualified to recognize ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD evaluation, including family nurses, doctors as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master-level counselors who have degrees in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor who has experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and review the patient's symptoms and their history. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The examiner will compare the person's behavior with the expectations of the individual's age. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by another issue, like depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and others. The evaluator will also review the child's development and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and cause problems in school, at home, work and social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by 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 interfered with relationships, work and school. In addition the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood, medical history and other issues, like alcohol or drug use.
In some instances one might think that their general practitioner or primary health care provider is the best option to test their condition for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical history. This is not always the best choice. One should think about whether they are comfortable talking to their PCP about this particular issue and also if they believe that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD may be able be diagnosed by their primary doctor. They are usually competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is needed and send patients to specialists who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants. In certain cases, a neurologist will be needed to assess the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical tests to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to alcohol and drugs.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two environments such as at home, work, and social activities. They must also be significantly hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact the performance of a worker, they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
A counselor or psychologist with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist people with ADHD. These professionals can help people understand their symptoms and teach them to cope with them. They also offer emotional assistance and encourage. People who suffer from ADHD often feel considered unfit to concentrate and finish tasks, but getting an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's important to find one who is not judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient in a transparent manner. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they seem to lack understanding of ADHD or consider it to be a minor issue, the patient may need to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can provide expert assessment and therapy but they cannot prescribe medications. They can request other people to be interviewed, for instance teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They can also inquire about the individual's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood and, if not, whether they have been present within the past six months.
People who suspect they have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. They may not be able diagnose the condition but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they feel comfortable with and are confident in their capabilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns as they are not able to offer the proper care.
Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, including family physicians and psychiatrists. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience with the disorder before making an appointment. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications could cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about various emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapy and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them in the course of evaluation. Individuals with BD may experience periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can help with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If your child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home life, it's important to talk about it with a medical professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Based on their training and credentials, they might be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms, and how they affect the daily activities of a person whether at home, in the classroom, at work, or in relationships. adhd diagnose consider the person's past symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as possible. This includes direct information from parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to assess a child's or teenager's behaviour in a variety of settings, since the symptoms can differ across situations.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at home or at work are not typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it indicates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other treatment options.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present since the early years of childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. However, some medical and mental health illnesses and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making the diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to treat or evaluate your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, people you know, family members and therapists you trust. It's recommended to do your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You may want to ask about their previous patients and clients.