Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
To be considered to have ADHD adults must exhibit more than five symptoms that cause problems in school or work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor who is qualified to recognize ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment, including family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors who have degrees in psychology or counseling. However, the most effective option for diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The physician or mental health professional will evaluate the patient, and examine the patient's symptoms and history. They will also consider how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. They will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a distinct issue, such as depression or physical disease.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social settings.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and colleagues and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and if it has affected their relationships, school or work. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use.
In certain situations, a person may feel that their primary physician is the best option to test their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical history. ADHD Diagnosis isn't always the best option. One should consider whether they are at ease discussing the issue with their physician and if the PCP is confident in his ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD may be able be diagnosed by their primary health care provider. These doctors are typically capable of assessing the situation, determine if medication is necessary and refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing the student's performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This includes the low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must manifest in at least two settings, including at work, home, and social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance and must not be better explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact a person's ability to perform their job, they're qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor with a master's degree in counseling might be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can assist people to understand their issues and help them cope with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. People with ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but receiving an assessment can help them realize it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or have no knowledge of it, the patient might need to seek out another doctor.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, such as parents and teachers to gain a greater understanding of the individual's experiences. They also may ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not the case if they've only been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should consult their primary care physician. While they might not be able to diagnose the problem, they can refer patients to specialists who can. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel comfortable and comfortable. They should stay clear of a doctor who behaves judgmentally or dismisses their concerns as they are not likely to provide the level of care required.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults with ADHD. However, it is important to find out which practitioners have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medications they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These medications can interact with each other which can cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions such as relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists, speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them during the evaluation. For example, individuals with BD typically experience periods of extreme depression which are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can help in the treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
It is important to talk to a health care professional when you or your child is having problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, which could be disruptive to 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 provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration several factors. They analyze the signs, and how they affect a person's daily functioning, whether it is at home, at school, in the workplace, or in relationships. They also consider the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a lengthy process, so health professionals need to have as much information as they can to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings, because many times symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or at home are not typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it indicates that the problems aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power. They can be helped by medication and other treatments.
Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to recognize ADHD if the symptoms were present since the age of. It's because it is believed that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. However, certain mental and medical conditions and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making an assessment.
It's best to ask trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when selecting a health professional who can examine or treat ADHD. It is also advisable to conduct your research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You might also want to inquire about their previous clients and patients.