Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to 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 provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms that can cause problems at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough assessment is necessary to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor who is certified to recognize ADHD. There are many 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. But the best method of diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, particularly one with experience treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and examine his or her symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator will assess the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. They will also determine if the symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition, such as depression or physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents, teachers and other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause problems at home, school or at work and in social settings.
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 an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them and if it has interfered with their relationships, school or work. In addition, the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood medical history and other issues, like alcohol or drug use.
Some people might think that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner as they know his or her medical background. This isn't always a good idea. One should think about whether the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor regarding this particular issue, and if they feel confident that the PCP can identify 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 care physician. These doctors are typically competent to evaluate the situation and determine if medication is needed and send patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some cases, the brain and central nervous system will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery or in the womb, or early exposure to substances and alcohol.
To be able to identify ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must be evident in two or more settings including at home, at work or in social activities. They must also hinder the person's performance and not be caused by other mental disorders or mood disorders like depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they are qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A counselor or psychologist with a master's degree in counseling might be able to aid people with ADHD. These professionals can help people understand their symptoms and help how to deal with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and motivation. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement.
It is essential to choose the right healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. Also, you should consider the level of knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they appear to lack understanding of ADHD or consider it to be a minor issue, the patient may need to seek a different provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders such as ADHD. They can provide expert assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, such as parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They also may ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood, and If not, if they've been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects that they may have ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able to identify the condition, they may assist in referring patients to specialists who are able to. People should select professionals with whom they feel confident and at ease. They should stay clear of a doctor who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns since they will not be able to provide the level of care that is required.
Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Inform how to diagnosis adhd about any medication you take including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These medications may interact with one another, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to differentiate them during assessment. For instance, those suffering from BD will often have periods of extreme depression which are followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, be easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
It is important to talk with a health professional in the event that you or your child is having issues with hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive, which can disrupt school and family life. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Based on their training and credentials, they might be able to offer psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals consider several factors. They examine the symptoms and the way they impact a person's daily functioning whether at home, at school, in the workplace, or in relationships. They also look at the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity or inattention and impulsivity, as listed in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It is a difficult process and health professionals must have as much information about the patient as is possible. This includes information directly from the person's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings as often, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their abilities and age. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the issues aren't due to lack of focus or insufficient of brainpower and can be addressed by medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical issues and major life events can produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making an assessment.
It is recommended to ask trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing an expert in health care who can evaluate or treat ADHD. It's recommended to do your research and find out more about the professional's credentials and experience. You may also be able to inquire about their previous clients and patients.