Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms, which cause impairment at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be conducted by an experienced mental health professional or medical professional who is trained to recognize ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician particularly if they have experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and examine the patient's symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the individual's behavior to what is expected of a person's age. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by another issue, like depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause problems at home, school at work, and in social settings.
Adults 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 whether they have interfered with relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical history and other issues such as drug or alcoholic use.
In some cases it is possible for a person to believe that their general practitioner or primary care doctor is the best choice to assess their condition for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This isn't always an ideal choice. One should think about whether they are comfortable speaking with their PCP about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances the primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in a patient. These doctors are usually able to assess the situation, determine if medication is necessary and send patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases, the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by a neurologist.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist can recommend medical testing to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during birth and environmental toxins in the womb, or early exposure to drugs and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must manifest in at least two environments such as at home, work and social activities. They must also be limiting the person's functioning, and they must not be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder the person's ability to do their job, they are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor who has a master's in counseling may be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can help people to understand their symptoms and help them cope with them. They also provide emotional assistance and motivation. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's important to choose a person who is not judgmental and willing to talk to the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find an alternative provider.
Psychologist
Although they hold advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer therapies and offer expert assessments, but they cannot prescribe medication. They may request interviews with other people, such as teachers and parents, to get a better picture of the individual's experience. They may also inquire about the individual's behavior. They will determine if signs have been present since childhood, and if not, if they have only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. They may not be able to determine the cause, but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. People should select professionals with whom they feel comfortable and at ease. 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 required.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. It is also important to inform their health care providers about any medication they are taking, including stimulants and sedatives. These medications could cause dangerous side effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions such as relief and confusion. sell who receive a diagnosis should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share many symptoms, so it is important to differentiate them during assessment. People suffering from BD may have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can help with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If your child is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and at home, it's important to talk about it with a health professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Depending on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to offer treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD, health professionals look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they impact the person's everyday functioning in a variety of environments, including at home, school or at work, as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. It's a complicated process and health professionals must have as much information on the patient as possible. This includes direct information from the patient's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is crucial to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings, as symptoms can vary in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD they are often able to see that their struggles at work or at home are not typical of their age and intelligence. Diagnosis 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 by medication and other treatments.
Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who were present since childhood. It's because it's believed that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health conditions and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making the diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to treat or evaluate your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. It's recommended to do your research and find out more about the credentials of the practitioner and experience. You may be able to inquire about the previous clients and patients they have served.