Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication.
To be considered to have ADHD, adults must have more than five signs that lead to impairment in work or school settings and that are not better explained by other mental health issues or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be performed by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment, including family doctors, nurses as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master-level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatric physician, especially one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental healthcare professional will assess the patient and review the patient's symptoms and history. They will also consider how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person with what is expected for their age. He or she will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a different condition, such a physical or mental disease.
The evaluator will interview the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and others. The evaluator also reviews the child's development and educational background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause problems at home, school, the workplace and in social settings.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will have similar conversations with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide a complete medical and mental health history. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives and if they have impacted relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical history as well as other issues such as drug or alcoholic use.
Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner since they know their medical background. This isn't always the best idea. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in patients. They are usually capable of assessing the situation, 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 nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some instances an neurologist may be required to examine the central nervous system and brain.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include the low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to alcohol and drugs.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms have to be evident in at least two different settings like at home, at work and in social activities. They must also hinder the person's performance and not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder a person's ability to perform their job, they're qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A counselor or psychologist with a master's in counseling may be able to aid people with ADHD. These professionals can help people to understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. People who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're being judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize it's not their fault.
When selecting a healthcare professional, it's essential to choose someone who isn't judgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. It's also important to determine the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor issue or aren't aware of it, the patient may need to find a new provider.
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 assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe medication. They can request to speak with others, like teachers and parents to gain a more complete picture of the individual's experience. They could also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will determine if the symptoms 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.
Anyone who suspects that they may have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. go to these guys may not be able to diagnose the condition but they could refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns since they are unlikely to provide the level of care required.
Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important to determine which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. People should also be sure to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, especially stimulants and sedatives. These medications can cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about an array of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis, seek additional support from your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them in the course of evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression then mania-like episodes. They may exaggerate how much 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 assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
It is important to talk with a health professional if you or your child is experiencing problems with hyperactivity, inattention or the tendency to be impulsive, which can be disruptive to school and at-home life. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's credentials and training, they may also be able provide treatments such as psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals consider a number of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they impact the person's everyday functioning in several settings, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also look at the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
A person has to show at least six symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a very rigorous procedure, and health professionals need to have as much information as possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings, since the symptoms can differ across environments.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief since it means that the problems aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power. They can be treated with medication or other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, as well as major life events may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out before making a definitive diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD is best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It's also a good idea to do your homework and learn more about the credentials of the practitioner and experience. You might even consider asking about their previous patients and clients.