Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists, counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioners also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms that can cause problems at school or at work and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be performed by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who has been skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors with a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the best method of diagnosing ADHD is 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 the patient's symptoms and past. They will also consider how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a distinct condition, such a physical or mental disease.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's educational and developmental background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause impairments in school, home, work and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends and are also required to provide a full 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. Additionally the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood, medical history and other issues, like drinking or using drugs.
Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner as they are aware of their medical history. This is not always an ideal choice. People should think about whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their doctor and whether the PCP is confident in his ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that might be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people with ADHD may be able to be diagnosed by their primary doctor. They are usually able to assess the situation, determine if medication is required and send patients to a specialist who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some instances an neurologist may be needed to evaluate the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out other illnesses or conditions that could trigger 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 symptoms of the patient must be evident in at least two different settings including at home, at work or in social activities. They must also be limiting the person’s functioning and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact the performance of a worker they could be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD might get help from an experienced psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to manage them. They can also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. People suffering from ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but getting an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's crucial to select a healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. It is also important to be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they view ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find an alternative provider.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They are able to offer therapy and provide expert assessments however, they are not able prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers, to get a better understanding of the person's life. They also may inquire about the individual's present behavior. They will determine if the symptoms have been present since childhood, and if they have not the case if they've only been present for the last six months.
Anyone who is concerned that they may have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. While they might not be able to identify the problem, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel confident and comfortable. They should stay clear of a doctor who behaves judgmentally or dismisses their concerns because they are not likely to provide the quality of care required.
Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience treating the disorder before making an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medication you take including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common, so it is important to differentiate them in the course of the evaluation. For instance, people with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and even forget appointments. They may be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If your child has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home life it's crucial to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. According to the professional's training and qualifications, they may be able to offer psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical professionals look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life whether at home, in school, at work or in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person has to show six or more symptoms, like hyperactivity or inattention, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a very rigorous procedure, and health professionals must have the most complete information possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the person's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in multiple settings, because many times symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or home are not typical of their age or intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the issues aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brainpower and can be treated with medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present since the early years of childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health illnesses and major life events may cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to determine the cause before making the diagnosis.
When selecting a healthcare professional to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis might also want to inquire about their past clients and patients.