Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also can perform initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, that cause impairment at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be conducted by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor certified to identify ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians as well as psychiatrists or neurologists, and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. However, the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will assess the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the person's age. how to get diagnosed with adhd or she will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a distinct issue, such as depression or physical disease.
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 also reviews the child's educational and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and result in impairments at the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar conversations with family members and coworkers 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 impacted relationships, work and school. Additionally the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood medical history and other issues, such as drug or alcohol use.
In some cases one might think that their primary care doctor is the best choice to test their symptoms for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This isn't always the best option. One should think about whether or not the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP regarding this particular issue, and also if they believe 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 receive a diagnosis from their primary doctor. These doctors are typically competent to evaluate the situation and determine if medication is needed and refer patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some instances, the brain and central nervous system will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical tests to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include problems with birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be able to identify ADHD the person's symptoms must be present in more than one setting including at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also hinder the person's performance and not be caused by other mental disorders or mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder the ability of a person to do their job, they are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People suffering from ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. They can help people understand their symptoms and teach them to cope with these symptoms. They also offer emotional support and support. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's important to find one who is nonjudgmental and willing to talk to the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to consider how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient might need to find an alternative provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders like ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask others to be interviewed, including teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the individual's experiences. They also may inquire about the individual's behavior. They will determine if signs 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 is concerned that they might have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able diagnose the condition, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who are able to. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns as they will not be able to provide the quality of care needed.
Some healthcare providers like family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience with the disorder before making an appointment. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including sedatives and stimulating drugs. These medications could cause dangerous side effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them in the course of the evaluation. For instance, people with BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, become 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 your child or you seems to have trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home life it's crucial to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they might also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They look at the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in various settings, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive, as described in the diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a very rigorous process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as they can to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings since often symptoms are different in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or home are not typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brainpower. They can be treated with medication and other options for treatment.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present since the early years of childhood. It's because it's believed that ADHD cannot develop at the beginning of adulthood. However, some mental health and medical illnesses and major life events can produce symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making a diagnosis.
When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD is best to get recommendations from people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. It's important to do your homework and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You may want to ask about their previous patients and clients.