5 Lessons You Can Learn From Who Diagnoses ADHD
Who Diagnoses ADHD?
The licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they can't prescribe medication.
To be considered to have ADHD adults must exhibit more than five signs that result in difficulties in school or at work settings and that are not better explained by other mental health issues or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. It should be done by a mental health professional or medical doctor who is certified to diagnose ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists, and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatrist, especially if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with what is expected of a person's age. They will determine if the behavior can be explained by a different issue, such as depression or physical illness.
For children, the evaluator will interview parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's educational and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause impairments at school, home, the workplace and in social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar discussions with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide a complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them, and if it has affected their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also examine the person's mood, medical history as well as other issues like alcohol or drug use.
Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner as they know his or her medical history. This is not always the best choice. It is important to consider whether the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor regarding this particular issue, and also if they believe that the PCP is able to identify and eliminate any medical conditions that might be similar to the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases a primary care physician might be able to diagnose ADHD in the patient. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some cases the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by a neurologist.
A psychiatric examination involves interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes evaluating the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs.
To be able to identify ADHD, the person's symptoms must be evident in two or more settings, such as at home, at work and in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's ability to function and not be attributed to 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.
A counselor or psychologist with a master's degree in counseling might be able to assist people with ADHD. These professionals can assist patients to understand their issues and learn to deal with these symptoms. They also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.
When choosing the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who isn't judgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. Also, you should consider the level of knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or have no knowledge of it, the patient might need to find a new provider.
Psychologist
Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, but they cannot prescribe medications. They can request others to be interviewed, including teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and if not, if they have only been present for the past six months.
Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should consult their primary care provider. While they might not be able to diagnose the condition, they may assist in referring patients to specialists who are able to. People should choose professionals they trust and feel confident in their capabilities. They should stay clear of specialists who judge or ignore their concerns, as they are not able to offer the proper care.
Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before making an appointment, it's important to determine who is the most knowledgeable in treating 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 one another, resulting in dangerous adverse effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a range emotions, including relief and confusion. Anyone who is diagnosed should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists, speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during evaluation. For instance, people with BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression which are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and even forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that is disruptive to home and school life, it's important to discuss the issue with a health professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Depending on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide therapy such as psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration various factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in various environments, including at school, home and at work as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have at least six or more signs of inattention or hyperactivity and an impulsive behavior, as defined in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. This is a lengthy procedure, and health professionals need to have as much information as they can to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings, because many times, symptoms occur differently in different settings.
Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their age and intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it means that the difficulties are not caused by laziness or lack of brain power and can be helped by medication and other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in childhood. This is due to the fact that it's believed that ADHD does not develop for the first time in adulthood. Certain mental and medical illnesses, as well as life events that are significant may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making a definitive diagnosis.
It is recommended to ask trusted friends or family members, as well as therapists for recommendations when selecting an expert in health care who can assess or treat ADHD. I Am Psychiatry should also conduct your research and learn about the professional's qualifications and experience. You may even want to inquire about their past clients and patients.