Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists counselors, therapists and counselors who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers also can perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must have more than five symptoms that result in difficulties in school or at work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be conducted by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor who is trained to identify ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians as well as psychiatrists or neurologists and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. But the best method of diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatric physician, especially one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and look at his or her symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with the expectations of the individual's age. The evaluator will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a different issue, such as depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches, etc. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be present at least two times and cause impairments at school, home or at work and in social settings.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have affected relationships, work or school. In addition the mental health professional will assess the individual's mood medical history and other issues, such as alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they should be evaluated for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner since they know their medical background. This isn't always a good idea. One should think about whether the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP about this specific problem and also if they believe that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in patients. They are usually able to assess the situation and determine if medication is required and recommend patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the central nervous system and brain.
A psychiatric evaluation includes 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. In no title , a psychiatrist specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out any other illnesses or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD like low birth weight, complications during delivery or in the womb or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person's symptoms must be evident in more than one setting, such as at home, at work, and in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's functioning and cannot be better explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. 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 counselor or psychologist with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people to understand their symptoms and learn to deal with these symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and motivation. People with ADHD often feel like they're considered unfit to concentrate and complete tasks, but receiving an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's crucial to find one who is not judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. You should also consider the level of knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they appear to lack knowledge of ADHD or view it as a minor condition the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders, such as ADHD. They are able to offer therapy and provide expert assessments, but they cannot prescribe medication. They may request interviews with other people, such as teachers and parents to gain a more complete understanding of the person's life. They can also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood and, if not, whether they've been present in the last six months.
Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should talk with their primary care doctor. They may not be able determine the cause, but they could refer you to specialists who are. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, as they are not able to provide the care required.
Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Prior to making an appointment, it's important to determine which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can trigger dangerous adverse effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about a range emotions, including relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to distinguish them during the evaluation. For instance, people with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, then mania-like episodes. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD for help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If your child or you has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home life it's crucial to discuss the issue with a health professional. Health professionals who are qualified to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on their training and qualifications, they may be able to provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health experts look at a range of factors. They examine the symptoms and the way they impact the daily activities of a person whether at home, at school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must show 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, as listed in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It is a difficult process and health professionals need as much information about the patient as possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings since often symptoms are different 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. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack in brain power. They can be treated by medication or other treatments.
For adults, doctors are more likely to diagnose ADHD when the symptoms were present since childhood. This is because it's currently believed that ADHD cannot develop for the first time until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health illnesses and life events could produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making a diagnosis.
It's best to ask your trusted friends or family members, as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing the right health professional to examine or treat ADHD. It is also advisable to conduct your research and learn about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You might also be interested in their past clients and patients.