Question: How Much Do You Know About Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also perform initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD have to 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
A thorough examination is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. It should be done by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor certified to recognize ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. However, the most effective option to diagnose ADHD could be a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and look at his or her symptoms, past history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person with the typical behavior for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and others. The evaluator also reviews the child's educational and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and result in difficulties at home, school at work, and in social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends and are also required to provide a full 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. In addition the mental health professional will assess the person's mood, medical history and other problems, such as drinking or using drugs.
Some people might think that they should be evaluated for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical background. This isn't always the best option. It is important to consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in their ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances the primary care physician might be able to diagnose ADHD in a patient. These doctors are usually competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is necessary and recommend patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians' assistants. In some instances the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also involves evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories and completing mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out other conditions or illnesses that may cause symptoms of ADHD. adhd in adults undiagnosed could include the low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be able to identify ADHD the person's symptoms have to be present in at least two different settings including at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also be limiting the person's performance and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders like depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they're qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor who has an advanced degree in counseling may be able to aid those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can assist people to recognize their symptoms and learn how to cope with these symptoms. They can also provide emotional support and encourage. People who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize it's not their fault.
When selecting a healthcare professional, it's important to choose someone who is nonjudgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. It is also important to think about how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be a minor condition the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders such as ADHD. They can provide therapy and provide expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers to get a clearer understanding of the person's life. They may also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present 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 that they may have ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they may refer patients to specialists who can. Patients should select specialists they trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns since they will not be able to provide the level of care needed.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, one should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder before making an appointment. People should also be sure to tell their healthcare providers about any medication they are taking, especially sedatives and stimulants. These medications may interact with one another which can cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions, including relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during the evaluation. Individuals with BD might have periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, be easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
If you or a child is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to school and home life it's crucial to talk about it with a health professional. Health professionals who are trained to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they might also be able to provide treatments such as psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a number of factors. They assess the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in various environments, including at school, home and at work as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's past symptoms and the family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, as listed in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a complicated process and health professionals must have as much information on the patient as is possible. This includes information directly from the person's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager's or child in multiple settings, as symptoms can vary in different settings.
Often, people who get diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their age and intelligence. Diagnosis is a relief, since it means that the problems aren't caused by laziness or lack of brainpower and can be helped with medication and other treatments.
For adults, doctors are more likely to recognize ADHD if the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is due to the belief that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical issues and major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD and it's crucial to rule out other causes before making a diagnosis.
When you are choosing a doctor to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also do your research and learn about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You may also want to ask about their previous clients and patients.