Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, that can cause problems at school or at work and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be done by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor, especially if they have experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental healthcare professional will evaluate the patient and review his or her symptoms and past. They will also examine how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. They will also determine whether the symptoms can be explained better by another illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents, teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also review the child's development and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and result in impairments at school, home, work and social settings.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar conversations with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide a complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them, and if it has affected their relationships, work or school. diagnosed with adhd as an adult will also examine the person's mood, medical history and other issues like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they should be evaluated for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical history. This isn't always the best choice. One should think about whether or not the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP about this particular issue and if they are confident that the doctor can recognize and rule out any medical condition that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances the primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in patients. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication may be required. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help 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, parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can suggest medical tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or early exposures to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in at least two settings, including at work, home, and social activities. They should also be restricting the person's performance, and they must not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect a person's job performance, they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD might benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals are able to assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to manage these symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and encourage. People with ADHD often feel like they're being judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize it's not their fault.
It's crucial to select the right healthcare professional who isn't judgmental and is willing to speak freely with the patient. It is also important to be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find a new provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents, to gain 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 childhood, and if they have not, if they have only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should speak with their primary care physician. While they may not be able diagnose the condition, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who can. People should select professionals with whom they feel comfortable and comfortable. They should avoid specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, as they will not offer the proper care.
Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, a person should determine which doctors have the most experience treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These medications can cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed, seek additional support from your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them in the course of assessment. People suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred mental health specialists who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Education Specialist
It's important to speak to a health care professional in the event that you or your child is having issues with hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior, which could disrupt school and home life. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Based on their training and credentials, they might be able to offer psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health specialists look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in several settings, including at school, home and at work as well as in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person has to show six or more symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as possible. This includes information directly from the person's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to examine a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings as often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD they are often able to see that their difficulties at work or home are not typical of their age or intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it indicates that the problems aren't caused by laziness or lack of brainpower and can be helped with medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's crucial to rule out these conditions prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
It is best to ask trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when selecting the right health professional to evaluate or treat ADHD. You should also do your research and find out more about the professional’s qualifications and experience. You might even consider asking about their previous patients and clients.