Who Diagnoses ADHD?
adhd diagnosis uk adult 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 also conduct initial assessments and provide therapy but are not able prescribe medication.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit more than five signs that lead to problems in school or work settings and that are not more easily explained by other mental health issues or mood conditions.
Medical Doctor
Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be conducted by an expert in mental health or a medical professional who is trained to recognize ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master-level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, especially if they have expertise in treating ADHD patients.
The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the person's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the behavior of the patient with what is expected for their age. He or she will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by a different issue, like depression or a physical illness.
For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers who interact with the child, including coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's educational and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and/or an impulsive nature. The symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause problems in the workplace, home, school and social situations.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have impacted relationships, work and school. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical history as well as other issues like alcohol or drug use.
In some cases, a person may feel that their primary care doctor is the best person to evaluate their symptoms for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This isn't always an ideal choice. People should consider whether the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor regarding this particular issue, and if they are confident that the PCP can identify and eliminate any medical conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychiatrist
In some cases the primary care physician may be able diagnose ADHD in the patient. These doctors are typically competent to evaluate the situation, determine if medication is needed and send patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists nurse practitioners, physician assistants. In some cases the central nervous system and brain will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology.
A psychiatric evaluation includes interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes evaluating school performance and medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric specialist can suggest medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol.
To be able to identify ADHD, the person's symptoms must 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 impact the person's ability to do their job, they're qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People with ADHD might be able to benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist patients to understand their issues and help them cope with these symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and support. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement.
When choosing a healthcare professional, it's essential to choose someone who is nonjudgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. It's also important to determine the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be a minor condition the patient may have to find a different doctor.
Psychologist
While they have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, for instance parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the person's experience. They also may ask questions about the person's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present for the last six months.
Anyone who suspects that they might be suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. They might not be able to diagnose the condition but they can refer you to specialists who are. People should choose professionals they trust and feel confident in their abilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns as they are not able to provide the necessary care.
Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before making an appointment, it's important to find out which doctors are the most familiar with ADHD. It is also important to tell their healthcare providers about any medication they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications could cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a range emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists, speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists.
People suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them during evaluation. For example, individuals with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment.
Educational Specialist
It's important to speak with a health professional in the event that you or your child is having issues with hyperactivity, inattention or the tendency to be impulsive, which can disrupt school and at-home life. Health professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's education and qualifications, they may be able to provide psychotherapy.
When diagnosing ADHD medical experts look at a range of factors. They examine the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in various settings, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also consider the person's previous symptoms and the family history of ADHD.
A person has to show at least six of the symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a lengthy process, so health professionals need to have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It's especially important to assess a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting since often symptoms are different in different settings.
If someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their issues at work or at home aren't typical of their age or intelligence. Diagnosis is a relief, because it indicates that the difficulties are not due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power. They can be helped with medication or other treatments.
Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present since the early years of childhood. This is due to the belief that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, some medical and mental health issues and life events could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to identify other causes prior to making an assessment.
It is recommended to ask your trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations when selecting an expert in health care who can assess or treat ADHD. It's recommended to research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You may also want to ask about their previous patients and clients.