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https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/

Who Diagnoses ADHD Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians particularly psychiatrists family physicians and neurologists psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists Social workers and nurse practitioners also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy but they are not able to prescribe medication Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five signs that can cause problems at work or in school and cannot be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders Medical Doctor Making a precise diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination This should be done by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment including family physicians nurses a psychiatrist or neurologist and masterlevel counselors who have a degree in psychology or counseling But the best method of diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist particularly one with experience treating patients suffering from ADHD The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and look at the patients symptoms past history and how those symptoms affect the patients life The evaluator will compare the persons behavior with the typical behavior for their age He or she will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a different health issue like physical or mental disease For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child including coaches or day care providers The evaluator also examines the childs developmental and educational history To be diagnosed with ADHD children must display at least six or more signs of hyperactivity inattention andor an impulsive nature The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause difficulties at home school the workplace and in social situations Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and if it has interfered with their relationships work or school Additionally the mental health professional will assess the individuals mood and medical history as well as other problems such as alcohol or drug use In some instances a person may feel that their primary or general health care provider is the best person to test their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical background This is not always a good idea It is important to consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their doctor and whether the PCP is confident in their ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD Psychiatrist In some instances the primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in the patient They are usually able to assess the situation determine if medication is required and send patients to an expert who can help with treatment Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists psychiatrists nurse practitioners and physicians assistants In some instances the central nervous system and the brain will need to be assessed by a neurologist A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient parents and caregivers assessing the students performance medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests A psychiatric specialist can recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD These include the low birth weight complications during delivery environmental toxins during pregnancy or early exposures to alcohol and drugs For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings that include at work home and social activities They must also be limiting the persons performance and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job theyre qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act People with ADHD might benefit from seeing a psychologist or counselor with a masters level in counseling These professionals can assist people to understand their symptoms and learn to deal with them They also offer emotional support and support They can also offer emotional support and encouragement Its important that you choose a healthcare professional who isnt judgmental and willing to speak freely with the patient It is also important to think about the level of experience and knowledge that 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 another doctor Psychologist While they have advanced degrees and are recognized as psychologists psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD They can offer expert assessment and therapy but they cannot prescribe medications They can ask others to be interviewed for instance parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of the individuals experiences They can also ask questions about the persons behavior They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since the time of their birth and if not the case if theyve only been present for the past six months Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor They may not be able to diagnose the condition but they can refer you to specialists who are It is important to choose professionals whom they feel secure and comfortable They should stay clear of a professional who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns because they are not likely to provide the level of care that is required Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD However one should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment Tell your healthcare provider about any medication you take including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs These drugs can interact with each other resulting in dangerous adverse effects A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion If youre diagnosed and require additional help consult your treatment team This includes speech and educational specialists therapists and behavioral therapists People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from cooccurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common so it is important to distinguish them during evaluation For instance those suffering from BD will often have periods of extreme depression then manialike episodes They may exaggerate how much energy they have become easily distracted and forget appointments Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with treatment and diagnosis Education Specialist If your child has trouble with hyperactivity inattention or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and home life its important to discuss the issue with a health professional Health professionals who are trained to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians psychiatrists therapists and psychologists Depending on the professionals qualifications and training they may also be able to provide therapy such as psychotherapy When diagnosing ADHD medical specialists look at a variety of factors They look at the symptoms and the way they impact the persons daily life whether at home in school at work or in relationships They also look at the persons past symptoms and the family history of ADHD To be diagnosed with ADHD a person must have at least six or more signs of hyperactivity inattention or an impulsive behavior as defined in the diagnostic criteria for children and teens Its a complicated process and health professionals must have as much information on the patient as possible This includes direct information from parents and teachers as well as other caregivers It is important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in various settings as the symptoms can differ across situations If someone is diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their struggles at home or at work arent typical of their age and intelligence The diagnosis is a relief because it demonstrates that the issues arent caused by laziness or a lack in brain power They can be addressed by medication or other treatment options In adults health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who have been present since the age of Its because it is believed that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood adult adhd diagnosis and mental conditions along with major life events can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD Its important to rule these out before making an official diagnosis When you are choosing a doctor to treat or evaluate your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family friends family and therapists you are comfortable with You should also conduct your research and learn more about the professionals qualifications and experience You may also consider asking about their previous clients and patients