Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five symptoms that cause difficulties in school or at work environments and are not more easily explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough assessment is necessary to identify accurately ADHD. This should be performed by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor qualified to recognize ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians, a psychiatrist or neurologist, and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the best option to diagnose ADHD may be a psychiatrist, specifically one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the person with what is expected for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms are more easily explained by another illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents, teachers and other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. genetic factors must be present at least two times and cause impairments at school, home or at work and in social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with family members and colleagues, as well as 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 professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical history as well as other issues like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical background. This isn't always an ideal choice. One should think about whether or not the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances, those who suffer from ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary doctor. They are usually capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is required and recommend 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 some cases an neurologist may be needed to evaluate the central nervous system and brain.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms must be evident in two or more settings like at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also be hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance they could be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People with ADHD may get help from a counselor or psychologist with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with them. They can also offer emotional support and support. People with ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but receiving a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who is not judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. You should also consider the level of knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or have no knowledge of it, the patient might require a new provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders such as ADHD. They can provide expert assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They can also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will attempt to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and, if not, whether they've been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. While they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they may help make referrals to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns because they are unlikely to provide the quality of care needed.
Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. Before making an appointment, it is important to find out which doctors are the most familiar with ADHD. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These drugs can interact with each other and cause dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common which is why it is essential to differentiate them during evaluation. Individuals suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If your child or you is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and home life, it's important to talk about it with a health professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD. Based on their training and qualifications, they may be able to offer psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals consider several factors. They examine the symptoms, and how they affect the daily activities of a person whether at home, in the classroom, at work or in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
A person must show at least six symptoms, like hyperactivity or inattention, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a lengthy procedure, and health professionals must have the most complete information possible to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is essential to analyze the behavior of a teenager's or child in multiple settings, as the symptoms can differ across settings.
Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their intelligence and age. Diagnosis is a relief, because it means that the difficulties are not caused by laziness or lack of brainpower and can be addressed with medication or other treatments.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in the early years of childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health conditions and life events could cause symptoms that look like ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making a diagnosis.
It is recommended to ask trusted family members, friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when selecting a health professional who can examine or treat ADHD. It's also a good idea to research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You might want to inquire about the past clients and patients they have served.