Who Diagnoses ADHD?
Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists), psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also can perform initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must show more than five signs that lead to difficulties in school or at work settings and that are not more easily explained by other mental health disorders or mood disorders.
Medical Doctor
To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. This should be performed by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor qualified to recognize ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master-level counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist who has experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator compares the behavior of the patient with the typical behavior for their age. They will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by another issue, like depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and cause impairments in school, at home, work and social situations.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will have similar conversations with their family members and friends, as well as an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them, and if it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical history, and other problems like alcohol or drug use.
In some instances, a person may feel that their general practitioner or primary care doctor is the best person to test their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical background. This is not always the best idea. People should think about whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their physician and whether the PCP is confident in their ability to spot and rule out medical conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some instances, individuals with ADHD might be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary health care provider. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication may be required. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician' assistants. In some cases the services of a neurologist are required to examine the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during birth and environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To be able to identify ADHD, the person's symptoms must be evident in more than one setting including at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance, and they must not be better explained by other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the ability of a person to do their job, they're eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
adhd diagnosis uk adults with ADHD might benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and help them cope with these symptoms. They also provide emotional assistance and motivation. People suffering from ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but getting an assessment can help them realize it's not their fault.
It's crucial to select a healthcare professional who isn't judgmental and who is able to speak freely with the patient. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be a minor condition the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
Although they hold advanced degrees and are addressed as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise, but they cannot prescribe medications. They may ask others to be interviewed, for instance teachers and parents to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They could also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not it is if they have only been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a doctor who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns because they are unlikely to provide the quality of care that is required.
Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, especially sedatives and stimulants. These medications may interact with one another which can cause dangerous side effects.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team, like educational specialists, speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists.
adhd uk diagnosis who suffer from 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 evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD typically experience periods of severe depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help in the treatment and diagnosis.
Educational Specialist
It's important to speak to a health care professional in the event that you or your child are experiencing problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity, which can disrupt school and home life. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Depending on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able to offer treatment like psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD, health experts look at a range of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in several situations, such as at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also examine the person's past symptoms and family history of ADHD.
A person has to show six or more symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a rigorous procedure, and health professionals need to have as much information as they can to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is crucial to assess the behavior of a teenager's or child in multiple settings, as symptoms can vary in different situations.
Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves struggling at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it indicates that the problems aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power and can be addressed with 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 belief that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's crucial to rule these out prior to making an accurate diagnosis.
It's best to ask trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing an expert in health care who can assess or treat ADHD. It's also a good idea to do your research and find out more about the credentials of the practitioner and expertise. You may even be interested in their past clients and patients.