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Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Psychologists, counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five signs that cause problems in school or work settings, and aren't more easily explained by other mental health issues or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be performed by a mental health professional or medical professional who is qualified to identify ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD evaluation, including family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor who has experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and examine his or her symptoms, past history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with what is expected of a person's age. He or she will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by a different issue, like depression or a physical illness.
The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational history. 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 more than one setting and result in impairments at school, home, work and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with family members and colleagues and will be required to submit complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them, and if it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. Additionally the mental health professional will examine the person's mood medical history and other issues, like alcohol or drug use.
In certain situations it is possible for a person to believe that their general practitioner or primary physician is the best option to evaluate them for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical background. This isn't always a good idea. One should think about whether they are comfortable talking to their PCP regarding this particular issue, and if they are confident that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical condition that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In certain instances the primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in a patient. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurses, physicians assistants. In some instances, the brain and central nervous system will require evaluation by neurologists.
A psychiatric examination involves interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes assessing the performance of students and medical and family histories and completing mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric specialist can suggest medical tests to rule out other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include problems with birth weight, complications during delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms of the patient must be present in more than one setting including at home, at work and in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's functioning and must not be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they are qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor with a master's degree in counseling might be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. These professionals are able to assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to deal with them. They also offer emotional support and support. People who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault.
It's crucial to select the right healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and willing to speak freely with the patient. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack understanding of ADHD or view it as a minor condition The patient may need to find a new doctor.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders like ADHD. They can offer expert assessment and therapy however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, such as parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They also may ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not the case if they've only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary care physician. They may not be able to identify the problem, but they could refer you to specialists who are. People should select professionals with whom they feel comfortable and at ease. They should avoid specialists who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, since they won't offer the proper care.
Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, one should determine which doctors have the most experience in treating the disorder before making an appointment. People should also be sure to tell their healthcare providers about any medication they are taking, including stimulants and sedatives. These medications may interact with one another and cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about an array of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapy and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, and it's therefore important to differentiate them during the evaluation. People suffering from BD might experience periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
It is essential to talk to a medical professional when you or your child are experiencing trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, which can disrupt school and at-home life. Health professionals who are trained to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. According to the professional's training and credentials, they might be able provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They examine the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in a variety of settings, including at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the diagnostic criteria for children. It is a difficult process and health professionals need as much information on the patient as they can. This includes direct information from the person's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to examine a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting since often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at home or at work are not typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it shows that the problems aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated by medication or other options for treatment.
Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who have been present since childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. However, some mental and medical issues and major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making the diagnosis.
When selecting a healthcare professional to assess or treat your ADHD is best to solicit recommendations from family, people you know, family members and therapists you trust. It's important to do your homework and learn more about the credentials of the practitioner and expertise. You may even consider asking about the past clients and patients they have served.