Everything You Need To Know About Who Diagnoses ADHD
Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians 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.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five signs, that cause impairment at work or in school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor certified to identify ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment, including family nurses, doctors as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master-level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, particularly one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and look at his or her symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the person's behavior with the typical behavior for their age. He or she will also determine if the symptoms are better explained by another issue, like depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause problems at home, school, the workplace and in social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues, as well a complete medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have impacted relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical background and other issues such as alcohol or drug use.
Some people might think that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner since they are aware of their medical history. This isn't always an ideal choice. People should think about whether they feel comfortable discussing this problem with their doctor and whether the PCP is confident in his ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances the primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in a patient. These doctors are usually competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is needed and recommend patients to an expert who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians' assistants. In some instances, a neurologist will be needed to assess the central nervous system and brain.
A psychiatric assessment includes interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes evaluating the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and completing mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD Diagnosis must be present in at least two different settings, such as at home, at work, and in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's performance and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms affect the performance of a worker they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
A counselor or psychologist with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. They can help people understand their symptoms and help how to manage their symptoms. They also offer emotional support and encouragement. People who suffer from ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose an individual who isn't judgmental and who is able to speak freely with the patient. It's also important to consider the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack understanding of ADHD or treat it as a minor condition The patient may need to seek a different provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders, such as ADHD. They are able to provide professional assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They can request to speak with other people, such as parents and teachers to gain a more complete picture of the individual's experience. They can also inquire about the individual's current behavior. They will try to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary care doctor. They might not be able to diagnose the condition but they could refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should stay clear of a professional who behaves judgmentally or dismisses their concerns because they are unlikely to provide the level of care that is required.
Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, including family physicians and psychiatrists. Prior to making an appointment, it is important to find out which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. Also, it is important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, especially stimulants and sedatives. These medications can interact with one another which can cause dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, so it's important to differentiate them during assessment. People suffering from BD might experience periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can help in the treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
It is important to talk to a health care professional in the event that you or your child is having problems with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity, which can disrupt school and at-home life. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they may also be able provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals take into consideration a number of factors. They analyze the signs and their impact on a person's daily functioning whether at home, at school, at work, or in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, as listed in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. This is a very rigorous process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is essential to analyze the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings, as symptoms may differ in different situations.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their issues at home or at work are not typical of their age or intelligence. Diagnosis is a relief, because it indicates that the issues aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brainpower and can be addressed by medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present in childhood. It's because it's believed that ADHD cannot develop for the first time until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health illnesses and major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making an assessment.
When you are choosing a doctor to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to solicit recommendations from family, friends, family and therapists you are comfortable with. It's recommended to research and find out more about the credentials of the practitioner and experience. You might consider asking about their previous clients and patients.