Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers are also able to conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, that can cause problems at work or in school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. This must be conducted by a medical doctor or mental health professional who is trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists, and master level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, particularly one with experience treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look at his or her symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents, teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also review the child's educational and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause impairments in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will have similar conversations with family members and coworkers, as well as a complete medical and mental health history. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work and school. In addition the mental health professional will examine the person's mood, medical history and other problems, such as drinking or using drugs.
In some instances one might think that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best option to assess their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical history. This is not always the best choice. People should consider whether they are comfortable speaking with their PCP about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the PCP can identify and eliminate any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in the patient. These doctors are typically competent to evaluate the situation and determine if medication is necessary and send patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some instances, the central nervous system and brain will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This could include the low birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person's symptoms have to be evident in more than one setting including at home, at work or in social activities. They must also be hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact the performance of a worker they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations.
People with ADHD may get help from a psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their issues and help them cope with their symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and encouragement. ADHD Diagnosis suffering from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but getting an assessment can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's crucial to choose a person who is nonjudgmental and willing to talk to the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to determine the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue, the patient may need to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are addressed as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer therapies and offer expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may request interviews with others, like parents and teachers to get a clearer picture of the individual's experience. They could also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if symptoms have been present in the person since childhood, and if not the case if they've only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should consult their primary care provider. They might not be able to identify the problem, but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. People should select professionals with whom they feel confident and at ease. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns since they are unlikely to provide the quality of care needed.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, one should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. It is also important to inform their health care providers about any medications they're taking, including stimulants and sedatives. These drugs can interact with each other, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed 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 are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms, so it is important to differentiate them during assessment. People suffering from BD may experience periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their 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 to a health care professional if you or your child is having trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity, which can be disruptive to school and family life. Health professionals who are trained to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and training, they may also be able to provide therapy such as psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical experts look at a range of factors. They analyze the signs and the way they impact the person's daily life, whether it is at home, at school, in the workplace, or in relationships. They also consider the person's past symptoms as well as family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and the ability to be impulsive, as described in diagnostic criteria for children and teens. This is a lengthy process, which is why health professionals must have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to assess a child's or teenager's behaviour in various settings, as symptoms can vary in different settings.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD they are often able to see that their difficulties at home or at work aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other treatment options.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in the early years of childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, along with major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out before making an official diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to get recommendations from friends, family and therapists you trust. It's recommended to do your research and find out more about the credentials of the practitioner and experience. You may even be interested in the past clients and patients they have served.