Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that cause problems in school or work settings, and aren't more easily explained by other mental health disorders or disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be conducted by a mental health professional or medical professional who is trained to recognize ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment, including family doctors, nurses as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master level counselors who have an education in psychology or counseling. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient, and examine his or her symptoms and history. They will also examine how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the person with what is expected for their age. He or she will determine if the behavior can be explained by a distinct issue, such as physical or mental illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator will also review the child's academic and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and result in impairments at school, home or at work and in social situations.
Adults 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 to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have impacted relationships, work or school. Additionally, the mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood medical history and other issues, such as drug or alcohol use.
In certain situations one might think that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best person to assess their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical history. This is not always the best idea. People should think about whether they feel comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in his ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, a primary care physician might be able to diagnose ADHD in a patient. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians assistants. In diagnosis of adhd in adults and central nervous system will require a thorough examination by neurologists.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also involves evaluating the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical testing in order to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low 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 at least two different settings including at home, at work or in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's performance and not be caused by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the person's ability to do their job, they are qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People with ADHD might get help from a psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. They can help people understand their symptoms and help how to manage them. They can also provide emotional assistance and support. People who suffer from ADHD often feel judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose an individual who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to speak freely with the patient. You should also take into consideration the level of expertise 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 find a new doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can offer therapy and provide expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can ask other people to be interviewed, including teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They could also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not, if they have only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. They may not be able to diagnose the condition but they can refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and feel confident in their abilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns since they will not be able to provide the quality of care that is required.
Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults with ADHD. Prior to making an appointment, it's important to find out which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. Tell your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking, including sedatives and stimulating drugs. These medications can cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, and it's therefore important to differentiate them during the evaluation. People suffering from BD may have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
If your child is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that is disruptive to home and school life, it's important to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are qualified to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration various factors. They look at the symptoms, and how they affect the person's daily life whether at home, in school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also look at the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a rigorous process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager's or child in various settings, as symptoms may differ in different situations.
Often, people who get diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it indicates that the difficulties are not caused by laziness or lack of brain power and can be treated with medication and other treatments.
For adults, doctors are more likely to recognize ADHD in those who have been present since the age of. This is due to the fact that it's thought that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time in adulthood. Certain mental and medical illnesses, as well as life events that are significant may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It is important to rule these out before making an accurate diagnosis.
It is recommended to ask trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can assess or treat ADHD. You should also do your research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You might even be able to inquire about their previous patients and clients.