15 Things You've Never Known About Who Diagnoses ADHD
Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that result in problems in school or work settings and that are not more easily explained by other mental health issues or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
A thorough examination is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. It should be done by a mental health professional or medical doctor who is certified to diagnose ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment, including family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD is 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 those symptoms affect the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient to what is normal for their age. They will determine if the behavior can be explained by a different health issue, like depression or physical disease.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, like 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 six or more signs such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least two times and cause difficulties at home, school at work, and in social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with family members and coworkers, as well as an extensive medical and mental health history. They will also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have affected relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also examine the person's mood, medical background and other issues such as drug or alcoholic use.
In certain situations it is possible for a person to believe that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best option to test them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This is not always an ideal choice. One should consider whether they feel comfortable discussing this problem with their doctor and if the PCP is confident in his ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances, those with ADHD may be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary health care provider. They are usually able to assess the situation and determine if medication is necessary and refer patients to a specialist who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some cases, a neurologist will be required to examine the central nervous system and brain.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing school performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out any other ailments or diseases that may cause symptoms of ADHD. This could include the low birth weight, complications during delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy or early exposures to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings such as at work, home, and social activities. They must also hinder the person’s functioning and not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact the person's work performance they could be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD may get help from a counselor or psychologist who has a master's degree in counseling. They can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to manage their symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. People who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're considered unfit to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
When selecting a healthcare professional, it's essential to find one who is not judgmental and willing to speak with 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 treat ADHD as a minor issue or aren't aware of it, the patient might require another doctor.
Psychologist
Although they hold advanced degrees and are recognized as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They are able to offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however, they are not able prescribe medications. They may ask other people to be interviewed, including parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They can also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if symptoms have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not the case if they've only been present for the last six months.
getting diagnosed with adhd who suspect that they may have ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. While they may not be able diagnose the problem, they can help make referrals to specialists who are able to. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid professionals who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, as they won't offer the proper care.
Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. However, one should find out which practitioners have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications could cause dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to differentiate them during evaluation. People suffering from BD might have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, be easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD for help with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
If you or a child has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that causes disruption to home and school life it is important to talk about it with a healthcare professional. Health professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms and the way they impact the daily activities of a person, whether it is at home, at the classroom, at work, or in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
A person has to show at least six of the symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. It is a difficult process and health professionals should have as much information on the patient as possible. This includes information directly from teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate a child's or teenager's behaviour in multiple settings, as symptoms may differ in different settings.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD they are often able to see that their difficulties at home or at work are not typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it indicates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be treated by medication or other treatments.
In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD when the symptoms were present since childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, along with major life events, can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's important to rule out these conditions prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to solicit recommendations from family, relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It's also a good idea to do your research and learn more about the professional's credentials and expertise. You may consider asking about their previous clients and patients.