Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must show more than five signs that result in problems in school or work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor qualified to diagnose ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. However, the best method of diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, specifically one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and review his or her symptoms and their history. They will also consider how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with what is expected for their age. They will determine if the symptoms could be attributed to a different condition, such a 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 will also review the child's academic and developmental background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and result in impairments at school, at home, work and social settings.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them and whether it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also assess the person's mood, medical background and other issues like alcohol or drug use.
Some people might think that they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner since they are aware of their medical history. This isn't always the best option. It is important to consider whether or not the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP regarding this particular issue, and if they are confident that the PCP can identify and eliminate any medical conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people with ADHD may be able receive a diagnosis from their primary doctor. They are usually competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is required and recommend patients to an expert who can help in the treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician assistants. In some cases the services of a neurologist are needed to assess the central nervous system and brain.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes assessing school performance and medical and family histories and completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. A psychiatric specialist can suggest medical tests to rule out other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms have to be evident in two or more settings like at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance and must not be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance, they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
A counselor or psychologist with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist people with ADHD. These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and help them cope with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and support. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but receiving an assessment can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. You should also take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor issue or aren't aware of it, the patient might need to find another doctor.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are referred to as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessments and therapy, but 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 also may ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not it is if they have only been present for the past six months.
People who suspect that they might be suffering from ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. Although they may not be able diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should avoid professionals who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they will not offer the proper care.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important to determine who is the most knowledgeable in treating ADHD. People should also be sure to inform their health care providers about any medication they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications can interact with each other, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions, including relief and confusion. If browse around this site are diagnosed with ADHD, you 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, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them during the evaluation. People suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If your child or you is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and at home, it's important to discuss it with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are trained to recognize ADHD include primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able to offer treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals consider a number of factors. They examine 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 history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must show 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive, as described in diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a lengthy process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child 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 struggles at home or at work aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it demonstrates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other treatment options.
Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who were present since childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical illnesses and life events could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making an assessment.
When selecting a healthcare professional to treat or evaluate your ADHD is best to solicit recommendations from family, relatives, friends and therapists you trust. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional’s qualifications and experience. You may also be able to inquire about their previous clients and patients.