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 can also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms, that cause impairment at work or at school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough assessment is necessary to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatric physician, especially one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look at the patient's symptoms, history and how those symptoms affect the person's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the person to what is normal for their age. The evaluator will also determine if the symptoms are better explained by another issue, like depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with 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 development and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar conversations with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have affected relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also assess the person's mood, medical background, and other problems like alcohol or drug use.
In some instances, a person may feel that their primary health care provider is the best option to assess their symptoms 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 spot and rule out medical conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases, people with ADHD may be able be diagnosed by their primary doctor. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication will be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain.
A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include problems with birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms of the patient must be evident in at least two different settings, such as at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also be limiting the person's performance and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations.
People suffering from ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can assist people to recognize their symptoms and help them cope with them. They can also provide emotional support and encourage. People with ADHD often feel considered unfit to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not the fault of ADHD.
It is essential to choose an individual who isn't judgmental and who is able to openly communicate with the patient. It is also important to think about the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient may need to find a new provider.
Psychologist
While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can provide therapy and provide expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medications. They may ask other people to be interviewed, for instance teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the individual's experiences. They also may ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since childhood, and if they have not it is if they have only been present for the last six months.
adhd diagnosis uk adults who is concerned that they might 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 choose a specialist whom they feel secure and at ease. They should avoid a specialist who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns since they will not be able to provide the quality of care required.
Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. Before scheduling an appointment, it is crucial to determine who is the most knowledgeable with ADHD. People should also be sure to inform their health care providers about any medication they are taking, including stimulants and sedatives. These drugs can interact with one another which can cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. 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 will often have periods of severe depression, followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If your child or you seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to school and home life it's crucial to talk about it with a health professional. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on their training and experience, they could be able to offer psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in a variety of environments, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as possible. This includes information directly from teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in more than one setting as often, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at work or home are not typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues aren't caused by laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be addressed with medication and other options for treatment.
Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present since childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as life events that are significant can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you trust. It is also advisable to conduct your research and learn more about the professional’s qualifications and experience. You might even be able to inquire about their previous patients and clients.