Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers are also able to conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms, that cause impairment at work or in school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This must be conducted 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 to diagnose ADHD may be a psychiatrist, specifically one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and look at the patient's symptoms, past history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's educational and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause difficulties at home, school or at work and in social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will have similar conversations with family members and colleagues and will also be asked to provide an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and if it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also examine the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use.
Some people may think they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner as they know his or her medical background. This isn't always the best choice. It is important to consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their doctor and if the PCP is confident in their ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that might cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals with ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary doctor. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some cases, a neurologist will be needed to assess the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance and medical 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 trigger symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during birth and environmental toxins in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must be present in two or more settings including at home, at work and in social activities. They must also be significantly hindering the person's ability to function and must not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms affect the performance of a worker, they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD may get help from a psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals are able to help people understand their symptoms and teach them to cope with these symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and motivation. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who isn't judgmental and willing to speak freely with the patient. It's also important to consider the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If our source seem to lack understanding of ADHD or view it as an unimportant condition, the patient may need to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders like ADHD. They can provide expert assessments and therapy, but they cannot prescribe medications. They can request to speak with other people, such as teachers and parents to gain a more complete picture of the individual's experiences. They also may inquire about the individual's present behavior. They will try to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood and, if not, whether they've been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD should talk with their primary care provider. While they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel confident and comfortable. They should avoid a specialist who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns as they will not be able to provide the level of care that is required.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Inform your doctor of any medication you take such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications could cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from 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 evaluation. For example, individuals with BD will often have periods of extreme depression then mania-like episodes. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
It's important to speak with a health professional when you or your child is experiencing trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior, which could be disruptive to school and family life. Health professionals who are trained to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's education and qualifications, they may be able to offer psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals consider a number of factors. They analyze the signs and the way they impact the person's daily life, whether it is at home, in school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also consider the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must exhibit 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, as listed in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. This is a lengthy process, so health professionals must have as much information as they can to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in various settings, as the symptoms can differ across environments.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or home aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it means that the difficulties are not caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication and other treatments.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize ADHD if the symptoms were present since childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, as well as life events that are significant can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's crucial to rule these out prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
It is best 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. It's important to do your research and learn more about the credentials of the practitioner and expertise. You may want to ask about their previous clients and patients.