Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists counselors, therapists and counselors who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioners also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five symptoms that result in impairment in work or school environments and are not better explained by other mental health disorders or disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to identify accurately ADHD. This should be done by a medical doctor or mental health professional who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master-level counselors with degrees in psychology or counseling. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor who has prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, history and how these symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator compares the person's behavior with what is expected for their age. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by another issue, like depression or physical illness.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's educational and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least six of the symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause difficulties at home, school at work, and in social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have affected relationships, work or school. The professional in mental health will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical background and other issues such as alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner as they know their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. One should think about whether or not the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this particular issue and also if they believe that the doctor can recognize and rule out any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people with ADHD may be able receive a diagnosis from their primary health care provider. These doctors are usually capable of assessing the situation, determine if medication is necessary and refer patients to a specialist who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians assistants. In some instances, the brain and central nervous system will require evaluation by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, as well as assessing school performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can suggest medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include problems with birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to alcohol and drugs.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, the person's symptoms must be present in two or more settings like at home, at work or in social activities. They should also be restricting the person's performance and cannot be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect a person's job performance they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations.
People with ADHD may get help from a psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can assist people to recognize their symptoms and help them cope with their symptoms. They also offer emotional support and encouragement. People with ADHD often feel considered unfit to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and is willing to communicate openly with the patient. You should also take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they view ADHD as a minor problem or aren't aware of it, the patient may need to seek out a new provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can offer professional assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, for instance parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They also may inquire about the individual's behavior. They will try to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood and If not, if they've been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should talk with their primary care doctor. While they may not be able diagnose the condition, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who can. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns as they will not be able to provide the level of care required.
Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience with the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medication you take such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed need to seek additional help 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 have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to differentiate them during the evaluation. Individuals suffering from BD might suffer from periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, be easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis.
Education Specialist
If your child or you has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and at home, it's important to talk about it with a health professional. getting an adhd diagnosis , therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's education and qualifications, they may be able to provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health experts look at a range of factors. They analyze the signs and their impact on a person's daily functioning whether at home, in school, at work or in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person has to show six or more symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a lengthy process, which is why health professionals need to have the most complete information possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It's especially important to assess a child or teenager's behavior in multiple settings as often, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves struggling at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication or other options for treatment.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present since the early years of childhood. It's because it's believed that ADHD cannot develop for the first time until adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, along with major life events, can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It is important to rule these out before making a definitive diagnosis.
It's best to ask trusted family members, friends, family members and therapists for recommendations before choosing a health professional who can examine or treat ADHD. You should also conduct your research and learn about the qualifications of the doctor and their experience. You might consider asking about their past clients and patients.