Doctors That Treat ADHD In Adults: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you have ADHD, your doctor may recommend you to a mental health professional. Psychologists and psychiatrists are the two main types of professionals who treat ADHD. psychiatrists can prescribe medications.
Your doctor may speak with coworkers, supervisors and teachers to learn about your work or school performance problems. They could also inquire about your family history, and may use psychological testing.
Psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists have experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is best to consult with a specialist. If your local mental health clinics or community centers offer referral services, they might have lists of specialists in the area. You can also search online or ask your friends for recommendations. If you have insurance make sure you know which companies will accept your plan.
A psychiatrist, also known as a psychiatrist is a licensed physician who can prescribe medication to treat a range of psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD. Psychiatrists are trained in differential diagnosis, and are able to identify the cause of symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. They can also treat comorbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety that is severe, bipolar disorder, or aggressive disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD concentrate on the psychological side of the condition and try to assist patients in coping with their symptoms by using talk therapy, often psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy. They might not be able prescribe medication however they can work with an ADHD Psychiatrist or medical doctor to manage a patient's complete treatment plan. They can teach patients how to improve their daily functioning. This can include organizing techniques and healthy habits that are related to diet, exercise and sleep/wake schedules, or even strategies for organizing.
Licensed Mental health counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals who have a master's degree who provide different types of talk therapy. LMHCs or LPCs can conduct initial assessments and refer clients to a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct a more thorough evaluation. These therapists can also provide support sessions or individual therapy to meet specific requirements.
A psychiatrist can assist people with ADHD who have issues with their relationships. They can learn how to improve their communication skills and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists will offer family or marriage therapy. Some psychiatrists will work with a therapist, coach or a therapist that is specifically trained to work with ADHD patients.
When seeking Learn Alot more who treats adult ADHD be sure to consider the unique circumstances and goals you have set for your life. Make a list of your symptoms and the problems you'd like to address and then find a practitioner who has expertise in these areas.
Family Physicians
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by family doctors. They will ask you about your symptoms, problems at work, school or in relationships. They will also ask you about your medical history and they might also review records from childhood such as report cards. They can also help you manage your ADHD by suggesting adjustments, tools or modifications that make it possible to achieve and succeed like those who don't suffer from ADHD. Consider these accommodations as a step-stool that allows a person who is shorter to attain higher goals.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is due to a shortage or imbalance in neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that signal different parts of your body to function. This is why these doctors may prescribe medications to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These include stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate and bupropion, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine. They can be beneficial however, most people with ADHD benefit from psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Signs of ADHD, especially inattention and impulsivity, can result in stress. They can also put people at risk of developing anxiety or depression, and increase their risk to self-medicating using alcohol or drugs which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. People who suffer from ADHD often have to work harder to meet expectations at home and at work and this can cause feelings of guilt or shame. This can lead to tensions between family members and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD but treatment can help you to succeed both at work and at home. It could even assist you in turning some of your ADHD symptoms into positives like being creative or having a good memory.
Finding a doctor and getting treated can be hard and stressful, but it's crucial to find a doctor who is aware of your symptoms and can assist you in managing these. You should also join an aid group to get the assistance you require. The more you know about your symptoms and the best ways to manage them, you'll be better prepared to tackle life's challenges. You'll also be more likely to have positive relationships with family members, colleagues and friends.
Neurologists
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not get diagnosed until later in life, and some never realize they suffer from the condition in the first place. This can be for a variety of reasons. The symptoms may have been ignored by teachers or parents in their early years or they might not have received the support required to flourish. Or, the multi-factorial nature of other disorders such as sleep disorders or depression can mimic the symptoms of ADHD which makes it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
It's important to choose an expert in healthcare who is experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. A neurology specialist can offer comprehensive ADHD assessments and testing to determine the patient's cognitive function and psychosocial history, medical history, and other factors.
When choosing a neurologist, consult your primary care physician for recommendations or consult with local associations of neurologists to confirm credentials. You should also ensure that your neurologist is the board certification and has experience treating adult ADHD. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and gives you details about the treatment options available to you.
A specialist in neurology can also evaluate for comorbid conditions that typically are associated with ADHD for example, learning disabilities and sleep disorders. They can use electroencephalograms (EEG) to determine if someone has normal brain activity or if there's seizures, or another neurological issue that must be treated to increase the effectiveness of their ADHD medication.
A neurologist can also conduct psychotherapy to help adults with ADHD cope with their difficulties and build self-confidence. For example, they can teach strategies to manage time, plan tasks and keep things in order. They can assist people in learning to manage anger and frustration and also improve their relationships. Additionally, they can deal with negative self-talk that been accumulated as a result of years of struggle with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD is treatable, and the most effective treatments often involve a combination of medications as well as skills training and psychotherapy. It is important to choose the right doctor for you. The best place to begin is with a primary physician or family physician who can help you get started on the path to treatment. Many have also discovered that it is beneficial to seek out help from an therapist, coach or counselor.
When you're looking for an adult ADHD specialist, make sure to interview various potential providers. Ask prospective specialists how they approach treatment. Make a list of your goals and symptoms that you'd like to concentrate on in therapy. You can also inquire about their training and education as well as if they have experience treating adults with ADHD.
Many psychologists have specific training in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. They may use various psychotherapy methods, including cognitive psychotherapy and interpersonal therapy. They may also use meditation and relaxation techniques in order to improve the client's ability self-regulate, and cope with symptoms. These strategies can be particularly helpful for adults who have difficulty with self-esteem, negative self-talk, and self-criticism.
Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are sometimes more attuned to the unique challenges of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. Additionally, they could be more aware of how ADHD affects relationships as well as work performance.
In some states, psychologists may prescribe medication to their patients. They will refer clients who require psychiatric treatment to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and can also help clients suffering from other psychiatric issues that often co-occur with ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and severe anxiety.
In general it's an ideal idea to search for an ADHD specialist within a larger medical practice. This gives you the convenience of having a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor all in one place, and it can make it easier to communicate with the other about each other's treatment. In addition some psychiatrists have a family-oriented approach and are willing to treat children as well as adults who are part of the same family.