Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five signs, which cause impairment at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be done by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master-level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the best method of diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatrist, particularly one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and examine his or her symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person to what is normal for their age. He or she will determine if the symptoms can be attributed to a different health issue, like physical or mental illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents, teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's developmental and educational history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in impairments at school, home or at work and in social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them and if it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. In addition the mental health professional will assess the individual's mood medical history and other issues, such as drug or alcohol use.
Some people may think they should be evaluated for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they know his or her medical background. diagnosing adhd adults isn't always an ideal choice. It is important to consider 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 might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD may be able to be diagnosed by their primary health care provider. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some instances, a neurologist will be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist can recommend medical testing to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery and environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must be evident in at least two environments such as at work, home, and social activities. They should also be restricting the person's performance and must not be better explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance, they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations.
A psychologist or counselor with a master's in counseling may be able to aid people with ADHD. These professionals can assist people in understanding their symptoms and help them to cope with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're being judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault.
When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's important to find one who is nonjudgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. You should also be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have understanding of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue the patient may have to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders like ADHD. They are able to provide professional assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will try to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present in the last six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary care doctor. They might not be able to diagnose the condition but they can refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns as they won't provide the necessary care.
Certain healthcare professionals such as family doctors and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before making an appointment, it is important to find out which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medications they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can interact with one another, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger an array of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms, so it is important to distinguish them during assessment. Individuals suffering from BD might suffer from periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that can be disruptive to school and home life it's crucial to discuss it with a healthcare professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. According to the professional's training and credentials, they might be able provide psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals take into consideration various factors. They examine the symptoms, 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.
A person must show at least six of the symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the diagnostic criteria for children. It is a difficult process and health professionals should have as much information on the patient as they can. This includes information directly from the person's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings since often, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their struggles 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 due to lazyness or a lack of brainpower. They can be addressed with medication and other options for treatment.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in the beginning of their lives. This is due to the belief that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, some medical and mental health conditions and life events could produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making an assessment.
It is best to ask your trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when selecting the right health professional to examine or treat ADHD. It is also advisable to conduct your research and learn more about the professional’s qualifications and experience. You might want to inquire about their past clients and patients.