Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists as well as counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five symptoms that result in problems in school or work settings and that are not better explained by other mental health issues or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical professional who is certified to identify ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master-level counselors who have degrees in counseling or psychology. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatrist who has prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and look at the patient's symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the person's behavior with the typical behavior for their age. He or she will determine if the symptoms could be attributed to a different condition, such a depression or physical illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display six or more signs like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social settings.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and whether they have experienced difficulties with their relationships, school or work. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical background and other issues such as alcohol or drug use.
In certain situations it is possible for a person to believe that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best choice to assess them for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical background. This isn't always the best choice. People should think about whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their doctor and if the PCP is confident in his ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals with ADHD may be able to be diagnosed by their primary health care provider. These doctors are usually competent to evaluate the situation and determine if medication is required 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 central nervous system and brain will need to be assessed by neurologists.
A psychiatric examination includes interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical testing in order to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This could include the low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person's symptoms have to be evident in two or more settings, such as at home, at work and in social activities. They must also be limiting the person's functioning and cannot be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the ability of a person to do their job, they're qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor who has a master's in counseling may be able to aid those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and learn to deal with their symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and encouragement. People with ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to openly communicate with the patient. It is also important to think about how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or have no knowledge of it, the patient may require another doctor.
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While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They are able to offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can ask other people to be interviewed, for instance teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They may also ask about the individual's behavior in the present. They will attempt to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and, if not, whether they've been present for the past six months.
People who suspect that they might have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able to determine the cause, but they could refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns because they will not be able to provide the quality of care needed.
Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Prior to making an appointment, it is important to find out which doctors are the most familiar in treating ADHD. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them in the course of the evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD typically experience periods of extreme depression then mania-like episodes. They might exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
If your child or you is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and home life it is important to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide treatments such as 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 various settings, including at home, school and at work as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person has to show six or more symptoms, such as hyperactivity or inattention, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a very rigorous process, so health professionals need to have as much information as possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is essential to analyze the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings, since the symptoms can differ across environments.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their issues at work or home aren't typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other options for treatment.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present since the beginning of their lives. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD does not develop at the beginning of adulthood. Certain mental and medical illnesses, as well as major life events may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It is important to rule these out before making an official diagnosis.
When you are choosing a doctor to treat or evaluate your ADHD is best to seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you trust. You should also do your research and find out more about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You may be able to inquire about the previous clients and patients they have served.