Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (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 are not able prescribe medication.
To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five signs that lead to difficulties in school or at work settings, and aren't more easily explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. It should be done by a mental health professional or medical doctor certified to identify ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master-level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and look at his or her symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator will compare the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms can be explained better by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and others. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause impairments in school, home, work and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends, as well a complete medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical history, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use.
Some people might think that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they know their medical history. This isn't always an ideal choice. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in his ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary doctor. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians assistants. In www.iampsychiatry.uk , the central nervous system and brain will need to be assessed by neurologists.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during delivery or in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms have to be evident in two or more settings, such as at home, at work and in social activities. They must also be limiting the person's ability to function and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
A psychologist or counselor with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to aid those suffering from ADHD. These professionals are able to assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach them to cope with their symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's crucial to find one who is not judgmental and willing to talk to the patient in a transparent manner. It is also important to be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or treat it as an unimportant condition the patient may have to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They are able to offer therapies and offer expert assessments, but they cannot prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers, to get a better picture of the individual's experiences. They may also ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not, if they have only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should talk with their primary care physician. While they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who are able to. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, as they are not able to offer the proper care.
Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. However, one should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder before making an appointment. Inform your doctor about any medication you take such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications could cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, and it's therefore important to differentiate them during assessment. For instance, those suffering from BD typically experience periods of severe depression, then mania-like episodes. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and even forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home life, it's important to discuss the issue with a medical professional. Health professionals who are trained to recognize ADHD include primary care physicians psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists. Depending on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able to provide treatments such as psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals look at various factors. They assess the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in various environments, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and an impulsive behavior, as defined in the diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a rigorous procedure, and health professionals need to have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the person's teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in more than one setting since often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
Often, people who get diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack in brain power. They can be treated by medication or other options for treatment.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present in the beginning of their lives. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD cannot develop at the beginning of adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, as well as major life events, can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's important to rule out these conditions prior to making an official diagnosis.
When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. It's important to do your research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You might consider asking about the past clients and patients they have served.