Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians 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 exhibit more than five symptoms that result in impairment in work or school settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical professional who is certified to diagnose ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment, including family doctors, nurses, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master-level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatric doctor who has prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and examine his or her symptoms, past history and how the symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with what is expected of a person's age. The evaluator will also determine if the symptoms are better explained by a different issue, like depression or physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents, teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also review the child's development and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar conversations with family members and colleagues 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 affected their relationships, work or school. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use.
In some instances one might think that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best person to assess them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. It is important to consider whether the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor about this particular issue and if they are confident that the doctor can recognize and rule out any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases the primary care physician might be able to diagnose ADHD in patients. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. In some instances, a neurologist will be needed to assess the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric evaluation involves interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes assessing the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and completing mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical testing in order to rule out other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. These include problems with birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings, including at home, work, and social activities. They must also be significantly limiting the person's functioning and must not be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder the person's ability 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 help people with ADHD. These professionals can assist people to recognize their symptoms and help them cope with these symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and support. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
It is essential to choose an individual who isn't judgmental and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. You should also consider the level of knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be an unimportant condition the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are recognized as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis are able to provide expert assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can ask other people to be interviewed, such as parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They may also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if the symptoms have been present since the time of their birth, and if not the case if they've only been present for the last six months.
People who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. While they might not be able diagnose the condition, they may assist in referring patients to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns as they will not be able to provide the level of care needed.
Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before making an appointment, it is important to determine which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. Also, it is important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, including relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them during assessment. For instance, people with BD will often have periods of severe depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and may forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that can be disruptive to home and school life it is important to discuss the issue with a medical professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's education and credentials, they might be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical experts look at a range of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in several environments, including at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also examine the person's previous symptoms and the family history of ADHD.
A person has to show six or more symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. It's a challenging process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as possible. This includes direct information from the person's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in multiple settings since often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves struggling at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of 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 helped by medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in the beginning of their lives. It's because it's thought that ADHD does not develop for the first time until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical conditions and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to rule out other causes before making the diagnosis.
It is best to ask trusted family members, friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when selecting the right health professional to assess or treat ADHD. It's also a good idea to do your homework and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You may also be able to inquire about the previous clients and patients they have served.