Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five signs, that cause impairment at work or at school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical professional who is certified to recognize ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist, and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best method of diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient with the typical behavior for their age. The evaluator will determine if the symptoms can be attributed to a different health issue, like physical or mental illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents, teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and cause problems in school, at home, work and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work or school. Additionally, the mental health professional will assess the individual's mood medical history and other issues, such as alcohol or drug use.
In some instances, a person may feel that their primary care doctor is the best choice to test their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. One should consider whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in their ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals with ADHD may be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. These doctors are usually competent to evaluate the situation and determine if medication is necessary and refer patients to an expert who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases the services of a neurologist are needed to evaluate the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric examination involves 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 addition, a psychiatrist specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during birth and environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to substances and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms must be present in at least two different settings like at home, at work and in social activities. They must also be significantly hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be attributed to other mental illnesses or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People with ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people understand their symptoms and teach them to cope with their symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and motivation. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
It's important that you choose the right healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. It is also important to be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they appear to lack understanding of ADHD or consider it to be a minor condition the patient may have to seek a different provider.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however, they are not able prescribe medications. They can request to speak with others, like parents and teachers to get a clearer picture of the individual's experiences. They may also ask about the person's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present in the past six months.
Anyone who suspects that they may have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able to identify the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who are able to. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel secure and at ease. They should avoid professionals who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns as they won't provide the care required.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience with the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Inform your doctor of any medication you take such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These drugs can interact with one another and cause dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapy and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common, so it is important to differentiate them during assessment. For instance, those suffering from BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis.
Education Specialist
It's important to speak to a health care professional when you or your child is experiencing issues with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity, which can disrupt school and family life. Health professionals who are qualified to recognize ADHD include primary care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's education 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 how they affect the person's daily life whether at home, in school, at work or in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
A person has to show at least six symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a challenging process and health professionals should have as much information on the patient as possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in more than one setting since often symptoms are different in different settings.
Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their intelligence and age. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it indicates that the issues aren't due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power and can be helped with medication and other treatments.
For adults, doctors are more likely to recognize ADHD if the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD does not develop for the first time in adulthood. adhd diagnosis uk adults and mental conditions, as well as life events that are significant can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making a definitive diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to assess or treat your ADHD you should get recommendations from relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It's important to do your homework and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You might consider asking about the past clients and patients they have served.