Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also perform initial assessments and offer therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must have more than five symptoms that lead to impairment in work or school settings and that are not more easily explained by other mental health disorders or disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. It should be done by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor trained to diagnose ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, such as family nurses, doctors, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master level counselors who have degrees in psychology or counseling. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatric physician particularly if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental healthcare professional will assess the patient and review his or her symptoms and their history. They will also consider how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator compares the person's behavior to what is normal for their age. The evaluator will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by another issue, like depression or a physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches, etc. 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 and/or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and result in problems at home, school, the workplace and in social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and colleagues and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them, and if it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical background and other issues like alcohol or drug use.
In some instances, a person may feel that their primary health care provider is the best person to evaluate their condition for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical background. This is not always the best option. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in a patient. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication may be required. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing the student's performance as well as medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include problems with birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings such as at home, work and social activities. They must also be limiting the person's ability to function and not be caused 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 eligible for reasonable accommodations.
visit website or counselor with a master's in counseling may be able to aid people with ADHD. These professionals can help people to understand their issues and learn to deal with these symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement.
It is essential to choose the right healthcare professional who isn't judgmental and who is able to openly communicate with the patient. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they don't seem to have understanding of ADHD or view it as a minor condition the patient may have to seek a different provider.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are addressed as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessment and therapy however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, for instance parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They could also inquire about the individual's behavior in the 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 past six months.
People who suspect they have ADHD should talk with their primary care doctor. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they may refer patients to specialists who can. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel confident and comfortable. They should stay clear of a professional who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns because they will not be able to provide the level of care that is required.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to determine which doctors have the most experience treating the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. It is also important to inform their health care providers about any medication they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These medications may interact with each other, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists, speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD share many symptoms and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to differentiate them in the course of evaluation. Individuals suffering from BD might experience periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and may forget appointments. They may be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Education Specialist
If you or a child is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and at home it is important to discuss it with a medical professional. Health professionals who are qualified to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they might also be able to provide treatments such as psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in various settings, including at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's past symptoms and the family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, as defined in the diagnostic criteria for children and teens. It's a complicated process and health professionals need as much information on the patient as is possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings, because many times symptoms are different in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at work or home aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it means that the issues aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power and can be addressed with medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present since the early years of childhood. It's because it's believed that ADHD does not develop at the beginning of adulthood. However, certain mental health and medical illnesses and major life events can cause symptoms that look like ADHD, so it's important to rule out other causes before making an assessment.
When selecting a healthcare professional to assess or treat your ADHD you should get recommendations from relatives, friends and therapists you trust. You should also conduct your research and find out more about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You might even consider asking about their previous clients and patients.