Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Professionals who are licensed to 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 who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms, that can cause problems at work or at school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
A thorough evaluation is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by a medical doctor or mental health professional skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD evaluation, including family nurses, doctors as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, particularly one with experience treating patients with ADHD.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look into his or her symptoms and past. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with what is expected of a person's age. They will determine if the behavior can be explained by a distinct health issue, like depression or physical illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit at least six of the symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and result in difficulties at home, school at work, and in social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and if it has interfered with their relationships, school or work. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical background and other issues like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may think they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical background. This is not always a good idea. One should consider whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that might be similar to symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances a primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in patients. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. In certain cases, the central nervous system and brain will need to be assessed by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, evaluating the student's performance and medical history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical tests to rule out other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be able to identify ADHD the person's symptoms have to be evident in more than one setting like at home, at work or in social activities. They should also be limiting the person’s functioning and not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder a person's ability to perform their job, they're qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A psychologist or counselor who has a master's in counseling may be able to aid those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can help people to recognize their symptoms and help them cope with their symptoms. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement. People with ADHD often feel like they're being judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but getting a diagnosis can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
When choosing a healthcare professional, it's important to find one who isn't judgmental and willing to speak with the patient in a transparent manner. It is also important to think about the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient may require another doctor.
Psychologist
Although they hold advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however, they are not able prescribe medications. They can ask others to be interviewed, such as teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They may also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present since the time of their birth, and if not, if they have only been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should talk with their primary care provider. While they may not be able to identify the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. It is important to choose a doctor you feel comfortable with and are confident in their abilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns as they are unlikely to provide the level of care required.
Certain healthcare professionals such as family doctors and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. However, it is important to find out which practitioners have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including sedatives and stimulating drugs. adhd diagnosis uk adults I Am Psychiatry UK can interact with each other and cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists, speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD often have co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them in the course of evaluation. People suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
Education Specialist
It is important to talk with a health professional in the event that you or your child are experiencing problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, which could be disruptive to school and family life. Health professionals who are qualified to recognize ADHD include primary care physicians psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and training, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration various factors. They look at the symptoms and the way they impact a person's daily functioning whether at home, in the classroom, at work, or in relationships. They also examine the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD.
A person has to show at least six symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a rigorous process, so health professionals need to have as much information as they can to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It's especially important to assess a child or teenager's behavior in multiple settings since often symptoms manifest differently in different settings.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief because it means that the problems aren't caused by laziness or lack of brain power. They can be addressed by medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in the beginning of their lives. This is due to the fact that it's believed that ADHD cannot develop for the first time in adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, as well as major life events may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
When choosing a health professional to treat or evaluate your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. It's important to do your research and learn more about the professional's credentials and experience. You may even consider asking about their previous clients and patients.