Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five symptoms which cause impairment at school or at work and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to identify accurately ADHD. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical professional who is certified to identify ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians as well as psychiatrists or neurologists and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option to diagnose ADHD may be a psychiatrist, particularly one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and examine the patient's symptoms, history and how the symptoms impact the patient's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the person with the typical behavior for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms are better explained by another illness, such as depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will interview the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers, etc. The evaluator also examines the child's developmental and educational history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six or more signs of inattention, hyperactivity and/or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause impairments in school, at home, work and social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them and whether they have experienced difficulties with their relationships, school or work. In addition, the mental health professional will examine the person's mood and medical history,
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Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical background. This isn't always the best option. People should consider whether the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor about this particular issue and also if they believe that the doctor can recognize and eliminate any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people with ADHD may be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary health care provider. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication will be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some instances,
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A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy or early exposures to drugs and alcohol.
To be able to identify ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must be evident in two or more settings like at home, at work or in social activities. They must also hinder the person’s functioning and not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders like depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD affect a person's ability to perform their job, they're eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist people with ADHD. These professionals are able to help people understand their symptoms and teach how to manage their symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and encourage. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
It's important that you choose an individual who isn't judgmental and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. It's also important to determine how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack knowledge of ADHD or view it as a minor issue the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
Although they hold advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, such as teachers and
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Anyone who suspects that they might be suffering from ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel confident and at ease. They should avoid a specialist who behaves judgmentally or dismisses their concerns because they will not be able to provide the level of care required.
Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Prior to making an appointment, it's crucial to determine who is the most knowledgeable with ADHD. People should also be sure to inform their doctor about any medication they are taking, including sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can interact with each other which can cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger an array 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, for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to differentiate them during assessment. For instance, those suffering from BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and even forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
If your child seems to have trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and home life, it's important to talk about it with a healthcare professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD.