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Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists as well as counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers are also able to conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
To be considered to have ADHD, adults must have more than five signs that result in difficulties in school or at work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This must be conducted by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists, and master level counselors with a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess 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 individual's behavior to the expectations of the person's age. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms can be explained better by a different condition, 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, including coaches or day care providers. diagnose adhd will also go over the child's developmental and educational history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in more than one setting and result in impairments at school, at home, work and social situations.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them, and if it has affected their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical background, and other problems such as alcohol or drug use.
In some instances it is possible for a person to believe that their primary or general care doctor is the best option to test their condition for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This isn't always the best idea. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals with ADHD may be able receive a diagnosis from their primary health care provider. These doctors 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 are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists nurses, physicians' assistants. In certain cases the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by a neurologist.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance and medical history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist can recommend medical testing to rule out other illnesses or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during birth and environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to substances and alcohol.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two environments, including at work, home, and social activities. They must also hinder the person's ability to function and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they're qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People suffering from ADHD might be able to benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and help them cope with these symptoms. They also offer emotional support and encourage. People with ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's important that you choose the right healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to speak freely with the patient. It's also important to determine how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue the patient may have to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They are able to provide professional assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask other people to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They also may inquire about the individual's present behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not, if they have only been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should speak with their primary care provider. Although they may not be able to identify the problem, they can refer patients to specialists who are able to. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel secure and at ease. They should stay clear of specialists who judge or ignore their concerns, since they will not offer the proper care.
Certain healthcare professionals, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. Before scheduling an appointment, it's important to find out which doctors are the most familiar with ADHD. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications may interact with one another, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of 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, such as educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to distinguish them during the evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD typically experience periods of extreme depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, be easily distracted and forget their appointments. They may be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD for help with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
If you or a child is struggling with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to school and at home it is important to discuss the issue with a health professional. Health professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists. Depending on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They look at the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life whether at home, at school, at work, or in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person must show at least six of the symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a very rigorous process, which is why health professionals need to have the most complete information possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes information directly from teachers, parents and other caregivers. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings as 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 of their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief since it indicates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brainpower. They can be addressed by medication or other treatment options.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms have been present since childhood. It's because it's believed that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time in adulthood. However, certain mental and medical issues and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD and it's crucial to identify other causes prior to making the diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you trust. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You may even be interested in the past clients and patients they have served.
