Who Diagnoses ADHD?
http://zaday-vopros.ru/user/deallove9 as counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers also perform initial assessments and offer therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have to show 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
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be conducted by an experienced mental health professional or medical professional who is trained to identify ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, such as family doctors, nurses and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master-level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, especially if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and examine his or her symptoms, their history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with the typical behavior for their age. The evaluator will determine if the behavior can be explained by a different condition, such a depression or physical illness.
The evaluator will speak with the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes daycare providers, coaches, etc. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause 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 friends, as well a complete medical history and mental health. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and if it has affected their relationships, school or work. The mental health professional will also examine the person's mood, medical history as well as other issues such as alcohol or drug use.
Some people might think that they should be evaluated for ADHD by their primary doctor or general practitioner because they know his or her medical background. This is not always the best option. It is important to consider whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their physician and whether the PCP is confident in his ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
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In some instances, individuals with ADHD may be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. 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 instances the services of a neurologist are needed to assess the brain and central nervous system.
A psychiatric examination includes interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes assessing the performance of students and medical and family histories and filling out mental health tests and questionnaires. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist can recommend medical testing to rule out other illnesses or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during delivery, environmental toxins in the womb or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms must be present in more than one setting like at home, at work, and in social activities. They must also be significantly restricting the person's performance and cannot be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, like 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.
People suffering from ADHD may benefit from seeing a psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. They can help people understand their symptoms and help how to manage these symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and encourage. People who suffer from ADHD often feel being judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but receiving an diagnosis can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD.
It is essential to choose the right healthcare professional who isn't judgmental and who is able to communicate openly with the patient. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they view ADHD as a minor problem or have no knowledge of it, the patient may need to seek out an alternative provider.
Psychologist
Although they hold advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They can offer therapies and offer expert assessments however, they are not able prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, such as parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also ask questions about the person's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood and, if not, whether they have been present within the last six months.
Anyone who is concerned that they may have ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able determine the cause, but they could refer you to specialists who are. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns since they will not be able to provide the level of care required.
Certain healthcare professionals such as family doctors and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Prior to making an appointment, it's important to determine which practitioners are most experienced in treating ADHD. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, especially sedatives and stimulants. These medications can cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions such as relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to distinguish them during assessment. People suffering from BD might suffer from periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Educational Specialist
If you or a child seems to have trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to school and at home it is important to discuss the issue with a health professional. Health professionals who are trained to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Depending on the professional's qualifications and experience, they might also be able provide treatment like psychotherapy.
When determining ADHD health professionals look at several factors. They examine the symptoms and how they impact the person's everyday functioning in a variety of situations, such as at home, school and at work as well as 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, such as hyperactivity or inattention, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a rigorous process, which is why health professionals need to have as much information as possible to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from 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 the symptoms can differ across settings.
When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at work or home aren't typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it indicates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated with medication and other treatment options.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present in the early years of childhood. This is because it's currently believed that ADHD does not develop for the first time until adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, along with major life events can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's crucial to rule these out before making an accurate diagnosis.
It is best to ask trusted friends or family members, as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can assess or treat ADHD. You should also do your research and find out more about the qualifications of the doctor and their expertise. You might even consider asking about the previous clients and patients they have served.