Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms that can cause problems at school or at work and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be done by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. However, the best option to diagnose ADHD may be a psychiatrist, particularly one with experience treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and how these symptoms impact the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. He or she will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a distinct health issue, like depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator also examines the child's developmental and educational history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least two times and cause impairments at school, home at work, and in social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with family members and coworkers 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 whether they have interfered with relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical background as well as other issues like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they know his or her medical background. This is not always a good idea. It is important to consider whether or not the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this specific problem and also if they believe that the doctor can recognize and rule out any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals with ADHD may be able be diagnosed by their primary doctor. The doctor 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 who can diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases the services of a neurologist are needed to evaluate the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric evaluation involves interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes assessing the performance of students and medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other ailments or diseases that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include the low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two environments, including at work, home, and social activities. They should also be limiting the person's performance and not be caused by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they are eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor with a master's degree in counseling might be able to help those suffering from ADHD. They can help people understand their symptoms and teach how to deal with them. They can also offer emotional support and support. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're considered unfit to concentrate and complete tasks, but getting an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to speak freely with the patient. It's also important to consider the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or have no knowledge of it, the patient may need to seek out a new provider.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may ask other people to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the person's life. They could also inquire about the individual's behavior in the present. They will determine if the symptoms have been present since childhood, and if they have not it is if they have only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD should speak with their primary care doctor. While they may not be able to identify the condition, they can 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 professionals who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns as they won't provide the necessary care.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before scheduling an appointment, it is crucial to determine which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. Inform your doctor about any medication you take such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. getting a adhd diagnosis can interact with each other, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team, such as educational specialists, speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them in the course of the evaluation. People suffering from BD might experience periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and even forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to home and school life it is important to talk about it with a healthcare professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's education and experience, they could be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical specialists look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life whether at home, at school, in the workplace, or in relationships. They also examine the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person must show six or more symptoms, such as hyperactivity or inattention, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. It's a challenging process and health professionals should have as much information on the patient as possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is crucial to examine a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings, because many times symptoms are different in different settings.
Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other treatments.
Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is because it's currently believed that ADHD does not develop for the first time in adulthood. However, some mental and medical illnesses and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to rule out other causes before making an assessment.
It is recommended to ask trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations before choosing the right health professional to examine or treat ADHD. It is also advisable to conduct your research and find out more about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You might also be interested in the past clients and patients they have served.