Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also can perform initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms that cause impairment at school or at work and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. It should be done by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor who is trained to recognize ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatric doctor who has experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient to what is normal for their age. He or she will determine if the behavior can be explained by a distinct issue, such as depression or physical disease.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more signs such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with their family members and friends and will be required to submit a complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have interfered with relationships, work and school. The mental health professional will also assess the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use.
In some instances, a person may feel that their primary care doctor is the best option to test them for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This isn't always the best choice. People should consider whether the person is 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 might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in the patient. They are usually competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is necessary and recommend patients to a specialist who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases the services of a neurologist are needed to assess the brain and central nervous system.
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 specialist can recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications associated with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, the person's symptoms have to be evident in two or more settings like at home, at work and in social activities. They must also be limiting the person's functioning and must not be explained better by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD affect a person's ability to perform their job, they're qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling might be able to aid those suffering from ADHD. They can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to deal with their symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and motivation. People suffering from ADHD often feel considered unfit to concentrate and finish tasks, but getting an assessment can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
It's important that you choose an individual who is not judgmental, and who is able to speak freely with the patient. It is also important to think about the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to seek out another doctor.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are addressed as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers to gain a more complete picture of the individual's experience. They may also inquire about the individual's behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not it is if they have only been present for the last six months.
Anyone who is concerned that they may have ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able identify the problem, but they could refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel comfortable and comfortable. They should stay clear of specialists who judge or ignore their concerns as they won't offer the proper care.
Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Prior to making learn more , it's important to determine who is the most knowledgeable in treating ADHD. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medications they are taking, especially stimulants and sedatives. These medications may interact with one another and cause dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them in the course of the evaluation. For instance, people with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
It's important to speak with a health professional if you or your child are experiencing problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, which could disrupt school and home life. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Based on their training and qualifications, they may be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a number of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in a variety of situations, such as at home, school or at work, as well as in relationships. They also examine the person's past symptoms and family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive, as described in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. This is a rigorous procedure, and health professionals need to have the most complete information possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings, as symptoms can vary in different situations.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover 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 due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power and can be helped with medication and other treatments.
Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who have been present since the age of. This is due to the belief that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical issues and life events could cause symptoms that look like ADHD and it's crucial to identify other causes prior to making the diagnosis.
It is recommended to ask your trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when choosing an expert in health care who can assess or treat ADHD. It's recommended to do your homework and find out more about the professional's credentials and expertise. You may also be able to inquire about their previous patients and clients.