Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you have ADHD Your doctor will likely recommend you to a mental health specialist. The two primary types of specialists that treat ADHD are psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are able to prescribe medications.
Your doctor may speak with coworkers as well as teachers, supervisors and coworkers to learn about your work or school performance problems. They may also ask about your family history, and may use psychological tests.
Psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists have experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. However it is advisable to seek out a specialist. If your local mental health clinics or community centers offer referral services, they might have experts in your local area. You can also search online or ask friends for suggestions. Make sure that your insurance plan is accepted by the providers.
A Psychiatrist is a doctor who is authorized to prescribe medication for a variety of mental health conditions that include ADHD. Psychiatrists usually have training in differential diagnosis and are able to identify the cause of your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. They also treat comorbid disorders, such as depression, severe anxiety bipolar disorder, or aggressive disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD concentrate on the psychological aspect of the disorder and work to help patients manage their symptoms by using talk therapy, which is often called psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy. They may not be able to prescribe medications, but they can collaborate with an ADHD psychiatrist or medical doctor to manage the patient's entire treatment plan. They can teach patients how to improve their daily functioning. This includes organizing techniques, healthy habits related eating, exercise, and schedules for sleep and wake, or organizational techniques.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors or Professional Counselors (LMHC, LPC) are mental health professionals who have completed a masters degree and are able to provide various types of therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are qualified to conduct initial assessments and can refer clients for a deeper assessment with a psychologist, or psychiatrist. These therapists are also able to offer support sessions or individual therapy to meet specific needs.
A psychiatrist can aid those with ADHD who are having difficulties in their relationships. They can learn to improve communication skills and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists provide family or marriage therapy. Some psychiatrists collaborate with a therapist, coach or a therapist who is specifically trained to work with ADHD patients.
Consider your unique life circumstances and goals when looking for a doctor who can treat adult ADHD. Make an inventory of your symptoms as well as the problems you'd like to address, then look for an expert with experience in those areas.
Family Physicians
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by family doctors. They'll talk to you about your symptoms and issues with school, work or relationships. They'll also ask about your medical history and examine any records from childhood, such as report cards. They can also help you manage your ADHD by recommending accommodations, tools or changes that make it possible to succeed and reach your goals like people who don't have ADHD. Consider these adjustments as a step that allows a person who is shorter to attain higher goals.
Many doctors believe ADHD is caused due to a shortage or imbalance in neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that are responsible for allowing different parts of your body to function. As a result, these doctors may prescribe medication to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These medications include stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as bupropion, as well non-stimulants like atomoxetine. They can be beneficial however most people suffering from ADHD benefit from counseling or lifestyle modifications.
Stress can be caused by ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity and lack of attention. They also increase the risk of anxiety and depression and make people more likely to use alcohol or other substances. This can worsen ADHD symptoms. People who suffer from ADHD are often forced to work harder at home and at work to achieve their goals and this can cause them to feel ashamed or guilt. This can cause tensions between family members and friends.
ADHD isn't cureable, but the correct treatment can help you succeed at work and at home. It can help turn ADHD symptoms into positives such as being creative or having an excellent memory.
Finding a doctor and getting treated can be difficult however, it's essential to find a doctor who is aware of your symptoms and can help you manage these. You should also join a support network to get the assistance you require. The more you know about your symptoms and how to deal with them, the better you'll be at handling the challenges of life. You'll also be more likely to have positive relationships with your family, colleagues and friends.
Neurologists
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get diagnosed until adulthood, and some never realize they have the condition in the first place. This can happen for many reasons. For instance, their symptoms could have been overlooked in their early years because teachers or parents didn't recognize them or provide them with the environment that they needed to thrive despite their ailments. Or, the comorbidity of other conditions such as sleep disorders or depression can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD which makes it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
It is important to choose an expert in healthcare who has expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. This includes neurology specialists who are able to perform comprehensive ADHD testing and assessments to determine a patient's cognitive functioning as well as medical history and psychosocial context.
Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or check credentials with local neurology associations. It is also important to confirm that your doctor has the board certification and has experience treating adults with ADHD. Choose a neurologist who speaks clearly and gives you information about your treatment options.
A specialist in neurology will also be able to examine for other disorders that can coexist with ADHD. These include sleep disorders and learning disabilities. They can employ electroencephalograms (EEG) to determine if a person is experiencing normal brain activity or if there's seizure disorder or a different neurological issue that must be dealt with to improve the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.
A neurologist may also provide psychotherapy to help adults with ADHD overcome their difficulties and improve their self-perception. They can provide time management strategies, help organize tasks and stay organized. They can assist people in learning to manage anger and frustration and improve their relationships. They can also address the negative self-talk developed over years of dealing with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD can be treated. The most effective treatments are often an amalgamation of medication, skill training and psychotherapy. However, adult adhd diagnostic assessment and treatment to choose the right doctor for you. The best place to begin is with a primary physician or family physician who can get you started on the path to treatment. In addition, many people have found it beneficial to seek help from a counselor, therapist or coach.
Interview several potential providers when you are looking for an adult ADHD expert. Make a list of the symptoms and goals you wish to concentrate on in therapy, and inquire of prospective specialists about their approach to treatment. You can also ask about their training and education as well as if they have expertise in treating adults with ADHD.
Many psychologists are trained to diagnose and treatment adult ADHD. They may use a range of psychotherapy techniques including cognitive behavior therapy and inter-personal therapy. They can also employ mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help clients improve their ability to regulate their behavior and manage their symptoms. These strategies can be particularly helpful for adults who have issues with self-esteem, negative self-talk, and self-criticism.
Adult ADHD is a particular issue that can be more difficult to manage than other mental health issues. They might also be more familiar with the way ADHD affects relationships and work.
In certain states psychologists are permitted to prescribe medications for their patients. They will refer patients in need of psychiatric treatment to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and may also assist clients suffering from other psychiatric issues that are often co-occurring with adult ADHD like depression, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety.
In general, it's recommended to look for an ADHD specialist within the larger medical practice. This can provide the convenience of having a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor in one place and can make it easier to share information and communicate with the other about each other's treatment. Additionally certain psychiatrists take a family-oriented approach and are willing to treat children as well as adult members of the same family.