Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioner are also able to conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five signs that lead to difficulties in school or at work environments and are not more easily explained by other mental health disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be done by a medical doctor or mental health professional who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors who have an education in counseling or psychology. However, the most effective option to diagnose ADHD could be a psychiatrist, specifically one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and examine the patient's symptoms, history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. He or she will also determine if the symptoms are more easily explained by a different issue, like depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will speak with the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and others. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and result in impairments at the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends, as well a complete medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have impacted relationships, work and school. Additionally the mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical history and other issues, like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they know his or her medical history. This isn't always a good idea. One should think about whether they are comfortable speaking to their doctor about this specific problem and if they are confident that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical condition that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances, a primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in patients. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians' assistants. In some cases, the central nervous system and the brain will require a thorough examination by neurologists.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out other illnesses or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during delivery and environmental toxins in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings, including at work, home, and social activities. They should also be limiting the person's functioning and cannot be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact the performance of a worker they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to recognize their symptoms and learn how to cope with these symptoms. They also offer emotional support and encouragement. People with ADHD often feel judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but getting a diagnosis can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who isn't judgmental and willing to talk to the patient openly. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor problem or have no knowledge of it, the patient may require a new provider.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medications. They may request interviews with other people, such as teachers and parents to get a clearer understanding of the person's life. They can also inquire about the individual's behavior in the present. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present for the last six months.
People who suspect that they may have ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. People should select professionals with whom they feel confident and comfortable. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they won't provide the care required.
Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, including family physicians and psychiatrists. Before making an appointment, it is crucial to determine which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medication they are taking, especially sedatives and stimulants. These medications may interact with one another and cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about various emotions, including relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team, like educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to differentiate them in the course of evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression which are 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 that specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If your child or you seems to have trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and home life, it's important to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are trained to recognize ADHD include primary care physicians psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they might also be able provide therapy such as 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 it is at home, at school, at work, or in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person has to show at least six symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. It is a difficult process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as they can. This includes information directly from teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to examine a child or teenager's behavior in multiple settings since often symptoms are different in different settings.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at work or home are not typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it shows that the problems are not due to laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be addressed by medication or other treatment options.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in the beginning of their lives. It's because it's believed that ADHD does not develop for the first time until adulthood. However, adhd diagnostic ADHD Diagnosis and mental health conditions and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD and it's crucial to rule out other causes before making an assessment.
When you are choosing a doctor to evaluate or treat your ADHD is best to seek recommendations from your friends, family and therapists you trust. You should also conduct your research and learn about the professional's qualifications and experience. You might even want to ask about the previous clients and patients they have served.