Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists, counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five symptoms, which cause impairment at work or in school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be done by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists, and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, particularly one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD.
The physician or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and review his or her symptoms and their history. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The examiner will compare the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's development and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least six of the symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in more than one setting and result in impairments at the workplace, home, school and social settings.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives and if they have affected relationships, work and school. Additionally, the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood, medical history and other issues, such as drinking or using drugs.
Some people may feel that they should be evaluated 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 consider whether they are comfortable speaking with their PCP regarding this particular issue, and also if they believe that the PCP is able to identify and eliminate any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances, those with ADHD may be able be diagnosed by their primary doctor. These doctors are usually capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is required and refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases the central nervous system and brain will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance as well as medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out any 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, their symptoms must appear in at least two settings, including at work, home, and social activities. They must also be significantly restricting the person's performance and must not be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance they could be qualified for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist patients to recognize their symptoms and learn how to cope with them. They can also provide emotional assistance and motivation. People suffering from ADHD often feel judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but getting an diagnosis can help them realize it's not their fault.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's essential to find one who is nonjudgmental and willing to communicate with the patient in a transparent manner. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they treat ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find an alternative provider.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are referred to as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They can provide counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medications. They may ask other people to be interviewed, including teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They could also inquire about the person's current 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.
People who suspect they might have ADHD should talk with their primary care provider. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they may help make referrals to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns since they will not be able to provide the level of care required.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before scheduling an appointment, it's important to determine who is the most knowledgeable with ADHD. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications can cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed, seek additional support from your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms, so it is important to differentiate them during evaluation. People suffering from BD might suffer from periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD for help with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
If your child has trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to home and school life it is important to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's education and qualifications, they may be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a variety of factors. They assess the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in a variety of settings, including at home, school 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 show at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, as defined in the diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a rigorous procedure, and health professionals must have as much information as they can to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to examine a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings since often, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at home or at work aren't typical of their age or intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it indicates that the difficulties are not due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power. They can be helped with medication and other treatments.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is due to the fact that it's thought that ADHD cannot develop for the first time until adulthood. Certain mental and medical illnesses, as well as major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making a definitive diagnosis.
diagnosed with adhd to ask your trusted friends or family members, as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can assess or treat ADHD. You should also conduct your research and find out more about the professional’s qualifications and experience. You may also be able to inquire about their previous clients and patients.