Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five signs, that can cause problems at work or at school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor who is qualified to recognize ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, including family nurses, doctors, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master-level counselors who have degrees in psychology or counseling. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor, especially if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look at his or her symptoms, their history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the person's behavior with what is expected for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by a different issue, like depression or a physical illness.
The evaluator will speak with the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches and other daycare providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six or more signs of inattention, hyperactivity and/or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be present at least two times and cause difficulties at home, school, the workplace and in social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar discussions with family members and coworkers and will be required to submit a complete medical and mental health history. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have impacted relationships, work or school. In addition the mental health professional will examine the person's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, like alcohol or drug use.
In some instances one might think that their primary or general physician is the best option to evaluate their condition for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. adult adhd diagnosis uk is not always a good idea. One should consider whether they are at ease discussing the issue with their doctor and whether the PCP is confident in their ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that might be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances, those with ADHD may be able receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. These doctors are usually capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is required and refer patients to an expert who can help in the treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some instances, a neurologist will be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric examination includes interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes assessing the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and filling out 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 like low birth weight, complications during the delivery and environmental toxins in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must appear in at least two environments such as at work, home, and social activities. They should also be hindering the person's ability to function and must not be better explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect a person's ability to perform their job, they are qualified 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 people with ADHD. These professionals can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to manage these symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and motivation. People who suffer from ADHD often feel considered unfit to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not the fault of ADHD.
It's important that you choose an individual who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to openly communicate with the patient. 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 consider it to be a minor condition, the patient may need to seek a different provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can provide professional assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers to get a clearer picture of the individual's experience. They may also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not the case if they've only been present for the past six months.
People who suspect that they might have ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. They might not be able to identify the problem, but they can refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns because they are unlikely to provide the level of care needed.
Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before making an appointment, it is crucial to determine which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. Also, it is important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they're taking, especially stimulants and sedatives. These medications can cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions such as relief and confusion. People 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 suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to differentiate them in the course of assessment. Individuals with BD may have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, be easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Education Specialist
If your child or you is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that causes disruption to home and school life it's crucial to talk about it with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are trained to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they may also be able provide treatments such as psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical specialists 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, work and in relationships. They also examine the person's past symptoms and the family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a challenging process and health professionals must have as much information about the patient as they can. This includes information directly from teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting since often, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or home aren't typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it means that the issues aren't due to lack of focus or insufficient of brainpower and can be addressed with medication and other treatments.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize 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 in adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, along with major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It is important to rule these out prior to making a definitive diagnosis.
When you are choosing a doctor to assess or treat your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, relatives, friends and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also conduct your research and learn about the professional's qualifications and experience. You may even want to inquire about the past clients and patients they have served.