Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (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.
To be considered to have ADHD, adults must have more than five signs that result in difficulties in school or at work settings and that are not better explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by a mental health professional or medical professional who is trained to identify ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors with degrees in psychology or counseling. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician who has expertise in treating ADHD patients.
The physician or mental health professional will assess the patient, and examine the patient's symptoms and past. They will also look at how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person with the typical behavior for their age. He or she will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a different issue, such as depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and other daycare providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's development and educational history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must display 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and/or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have impacted relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical history, and other problems such as alcohol or drug use.
In some instances one might think that their general practitioner or primary care doctor is the best option to test their condition for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical background. This isn't always a good idea. People should consider whether or not the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this particular issue and also if they believe that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances the primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in patients. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases the central nervous system and brain will need to be assessed by neurologists.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This includes low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings, including at home, work and social activities. They must also be significantly restricting the person's performance, and they must not be better explained by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor who has an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. These professionals are able to help people understand their symptoms and teach how to deal with them. They can also provide emotional support and support. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
When choosing a healthcare professional, it's essential to choose someone who is not judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. It is also important to think about how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or have no knowledge of it, the patient might require another doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders such as ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may request interviews with others, like parents and teachers to get a clearer picture of the individual's experience. They may also ask about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not, if they have only been present for the past six months.
People who suspect they have ADHD should talk with their primary care doctor. They may not be able to determine the cause, but they can refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they feel comfortable with and are confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a professional who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns as they are unlikely to provide the level of care that is required.
Certain healthcare professionals such as family doctors and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults with ADHD. Prior to making an appointment, it is important to determine which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. Inform your doctor of the medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications may interact with one another which can cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team, like educational specialists, speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often have co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to differentiate them during assessment. For example, individuals with BD typically experience periods of severe depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, be easily distracted and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and at home it's crucial to talk about it with a healthcare professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they might also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals look at a number of factors. They analyze the signs and their impact on the person's daily life, whether it is at home, in the classroom, at work, or in relationships. They also consider the person's previous symptoms and the family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , a person must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and an impulsive behavior, as defined in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. It is a difficult process and health professionals need as much information about the patient as they can. This includes direct information from parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings as often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their age and intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it indicates that the difficulties are not caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed by medication and other treatments.
For adults, doctors are more likely to diagnose ADHD when the symptoms have been present since childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical illnesses and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making a diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD is best to get recommendations from friends, family and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also conduct your research and learn about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You may also be able to inquire about the previous clients and patients they have served.