Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers are also able to conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, which cause impairment at work or at school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be performed by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor qualified to identify ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD evaluation, including family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors with an education in psychology or counseling. However, the best method of diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one with experience treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look at his or her symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will assess the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the person's age. They 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, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in problems at home, school, the workplace and in social settings.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them and whether they have experienced difficulties with their relationships, work or school. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical history, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use.
In some instances it is possible for a person to believe that their primary physician is the best choice to test them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This is not always an ideal choice. People should think about whether they are at ease discussing this issue with their doctor and if the PCP is confident in his ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances, those with ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary health care provider. These doctors are typically competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is necessary and recommend patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians assistants. In certain cases the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology.
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 and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in at least two environments, including at home, work and social activities. They should also be limiting the person’s functioning and not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the person's ability to do their job, they are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People suffering from ADHD might benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their issues and help them cope with their symptoms. They also offer emotional support and encourage. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to find one who is not judgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they seem to lack knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be a minor issue, the patient may need to seek a different provider.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They are able to offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask to interview other people, such as parents and teachers, to get a better understanding of the person's life. They could also inquire about the individual's behavior in the present. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not it is if they have only been present for the past six months.
People who suspect that they may have ADHD should speak with 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. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should stay clear of a professional who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns because they are unlikely to provide the level of care needed.
Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience with the disorder prior to making an appointment. It is also important to inform their health care providers about any medications they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can interact with one another and cause dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapy and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, and it's therefore important to differentiate them during assessment. Individuals with BD may have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help in the treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
It's important to speak with a health professional in the event that you or your child are experiencing trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, which can disrupt school and at-home life. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. According to the professional's training and qualifications, they may be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical professionals look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in a variety of settings, including at school, home and at work as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must exhibit at least six or more signs of inattention or hyperactivity and an impulsive behavior, as defined in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. This is a lengthy process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as possible to make the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is essential to analyze the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings, as the symptoms can differ across situations.
Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves struggling at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their age and intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the issues aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brainpower and can be addressed with medication or other treatments.
official statement are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in the beginning of their lives. It's because it is believed that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
It is recommended to ask trusted family members, friends or family members, as well as 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 even be able to inquire about their previous clients and patients.