A doctor or licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, or ADHD Specialist in Charleston SC, who has experience in diagnosing ADHD can provide an evaluation as well as a diagnosis.
However, a diagnosis is going to sometimes involve multiple evaluations as well as an interprofessional team of healthcare experts. Some examples of professionals who are capable of diagnosing ADHD include:
- nurse practitioners
- psychologists
- psychotherapists
- pediatricians
- family physicians
- psychiatrists
To diagnose ADHD, a professional may use:
- cognitive ability tests
- information from those who know the person well
- behavior rating scales
- symptom checklists
- descriptions of the person’s past as well as current functioning
They are going to also try to rule out other possible conditions or consider the presence of co-occurring conditions. They are going to be aware that a person may not exhibit any symptoms during a visit as well as that a brief observation or conversation is not sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.
Who can prescribe medications?
Only a medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist or pediatrician, can prescribe medications for ADHD. People who see a therapist first, however, may be able to get a referral to a medical doctor.
Some therapists also work directly with psychiatrists who can meet with the person as well as prescribe medications to them.
How to approach a doctor about ADHD?
ADHD is not a personal failing, nor is it due to a lack of discipline at home. Instead, people develop ADHD because of a complex interaction between genes as well as the environment. Seeking treatment can help prevent ADHD from affecting a person’s academic or career success. So, there is no need for a person to feel afraid or ashamed of their diagnosis.
If a doctor or another healthcare professional behaves in a judgmental way, it is a signal that they do not understand as well as may not be able to accurately diagnose or properly treat ADHD. When approaching a healthcare professional about ADHD, people should discuss their specific concerns as well as their reasons for these concerns. If a doctor is unwilling to perform an evaluation, the person may wish to consider switching to someone who is going to, if possible.
It is also important that the person a specialist is evaluating receives appropriate treatment. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 6 years of age receive parent training as well as classroom support before trying medications. Treatment for adults as well as children may be similar. It can involve a combination of medications, therapy, accommodations at work or school, as well as forms of psychosocial support, such as parent training, family education, as well as time management training.
To sum it up
ADHD is a complex condition that may require a team of healthcare professionals to achieve a formal diagnosis. The evaluation and diagnosis process will typically involve a licensed mental health professional or doctor.
ADHD is not a personal failure nor a failure of discipline. It is a sign that a person’s brain works differently and that they may need support. People should feel comfortable and able to discuss their concerns and symptoms of ADHD with a doctor. With the right treatment from Neighbors Pediatrics, symptoms can improve and not interfere with a person’s academic or career success. Contact us and get more details!
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