Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioner are also able to conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five symptoms, that cause impairment at work or in school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough assessment is necessary to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by a medical doctor or mental health professional experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master-level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. However, the best option for diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, particularly one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look into the patient's symptoms and past. They will also consider how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The examiner will compare the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will also determine whether the symptoms are better explained by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
The evaluator will talk to the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches, etc. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause difficulties at home, school or at work and in social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar conversations with their family members and friends and will be required to submit 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. In addition the mental health professional will assess the individual's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, like drug or alcohol use.
In certain situations one might think that their primary or general physician is the best option to test them for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This is not always the best option. One should think about whether the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this specific problem and if they are confident that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people who suffer from ADHD may be able be diagnosed by their primary health care provider. They are usually capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is required and recommend patients to an expert who can help with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants. In some instances, a neurologist will be needed to evaluate the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric examination involves interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. In addition, 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 birth and environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to substances and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings that include at home, work, and social activities. They must also be hindering the person's ability to function, and they must not be better explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the person's ability to do their job, they are eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People with ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people in understanding their symptoms and help how to manage their symptoms. They can also provide emotional support and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement.
It's important that you choose an individual who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. It's also important to consider how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are recognized as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can provide professional assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask other people to be interviewed, including parents and teachers to gain a greater understanding of the person's experience. They may also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and if they have not the case if they've only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should talk with their primary care provider. Although they may not be able diagnose the problem, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who can. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel comfortable and at ease. They should stay clear of a professional who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns as they are not likely to provide the level of care that is required.
Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Prior to making an appointment, it's important to determine which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medication they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These medications could cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. If IamPsychiatry are diagnosed with ADHD, you need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team, like educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer 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 differentiate them during evaluation. Individuals with BD may experience periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, be easily distracted and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child has trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to home and school life it is important to discuss it with a health professional. Health professionals who are certified to recognize ADHD include primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on their training and credentials, they might be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health experts look at a range of factors. They analyze the signs, and how they affect the daily activities of a person whether at home, at the classroom, at work, or in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must exhibit 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, as listed in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a challenging process and health professionals need as much information on the patient as they can. This includes direct information from the person's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is essential to analyze the behavior of a teenager's or child in various settings, as symptoms can vary in different situations.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at home or at work aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack in brain power. They can be treated with medication and other treatment options.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms were present since childhood. It's because it's thought that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time until adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, as well as life events that are significant can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It is important to rule these out before making a definitive diagnosis.
When you are choosing a doctor to treat or evaluate your ADHD, it's best to solicit recommendations from family, people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also conduct your research and learn about the qualifications of the doctor and their experience. You might even want to ask about their previous clients and patients.