Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers are also able to conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms that cause impairment 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. It should be done by a mental health professional or medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, especially if they have experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, their history and how the symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person with what is expected for their age. They will determine if the symptoms can be attributed to a different condition, such a depression or physical disease.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more signs such as hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and cause impairments in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar discussions with their family members and friends and will be required to submit 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 interfered with relationships, work or school. In addition, the mental health professional will assess the person's mood medical history and other issues, like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may feel that they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner since they know their medical history. This isn't always the best idea. People should consider whether they are comfortable speaking to their doctor about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical condition that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances a primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in a patient. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals that can diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric examination includes interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories and completing mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms must be evident in more than one setting like at home, at work or in social activities. They must also hinder the person’s functioning and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect the person's work performance, they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations.
People with ADHD may benefit from seeing a psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. They can help people understand their symptoms and teach how to deal with them. They also provide emotional assistance and support. People suffering from ADHD often feel considered unfit to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
It is essential to choose an individual who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to communicate openly with the patient. You should also take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they treat ADHD as a minor issue or aren't aware of it, the patient may require a new provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders like ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, but they cannot prescribe medications. They can request to speak with others, like parents and teachers, to get a better picture of the individual's experiences. They can also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will try to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood and If not, if they've been present for the last six months.
People who suspect that they may have ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able to determine the cause, but they could refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they are comfortable with and feel confident in their abilities. They should avoid professionals who judge or ignore their concerns, since they will not provide the necessary care.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Prior to making an appointment, it is important to determine which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. Tell your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team, like educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them during the evaluation. For example, individuals with BD will often have periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If your child is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that can be disruptive to school and home life it is important to discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. According to the professional's training and experience, they could be able to offer psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health experts look at a range of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in several settings, including at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, as listed in diagnostic criteria for teens and children. This is a very rigorous process, which is why health professionals must have as much information as they can to determine the diagnosis. This includes information directly from teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager's or child in multiple settings, as symptoms may differ in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or at home are not typical of their age or intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the issues aren't caused by laziness or lack of brain power and can be helped by medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, some mental and medical conditions and life events could produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to determine the cause before making an assessment.
When selecting how to get an adhd diagnosis uk to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your friends, family and therapists you are comfortable with. It's also a good idea to research and learn more about the credentials of the practitioner and expertise. You may even be interested in the past clients and patients they have served.