Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, you will likely be directed to a mental health professional by your doctor. Psychologists and psychiatrists are the two primary types who treat ADHD. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication.
Your specialist may interview your co-workers or supervisors, as well as your teachers, to find out about any issues you're experiencing at work or at school. They might also inquire about your family history and conduct psychological tests.
Psychiatrists
Certain psychiatrists have experience in treating adults with 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 lists of specialists in the region. You can also ask your friends or look online for recommendations. Check if adult adhd diagnosis and treatment is recognized by the insurers.
A Psychiatrist is a doctor who is authorized to prescribe medication for a range of psychiatric conditions such as ADHD. Psychiatrists are trained to make differential diagnosis, and are able to determine the root of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment. They can also treat co-occurring disorders, like depression or severe anxiety, bipolar disorders, or aggressive disorders that occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adult ADHD focus on the psychological aspect of the disorder and work to help patients manage their symptoms by using talk therapy, often psychodynamic or cognitive therapy. They might not be able to prescribe medications, but they can coordinate with an ADHD physician or psychiatrist to manage a patient's complete treatment plan. They can teach patients how to improve their daily functioning. This could include organizing strategies and healthy habits that are related to eating habits, exercise and schedules for sleep/wake, or methods for organizing.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors or Professional Counselors (LMHC, LPC) are mental health professionals with a masters-level education and provide various types of talk therapy. LMHCs or LPCs can conduct initial assessments and recommend clients to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a more comprehensive assessment. These therapists are also able to offer support sessions or individual therapy to meet specific needs.
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience challenges in their relationships, and a psychiatrist can assist them in developing skills to improve communication and resolve conflicts. Some psychiatrists offer family or marriage counseling. Others will work with a coach, or specialist therapist who has been specifically trained in working with ADHD patients to ensure their patients receive comprehensive behavioral support along with their medication.
When seeking a doctor who treats adult ADHD be sure to consider the unique circumstances and goals you're pursuing in your life. Make a list of the symptoms and concerns that you wish to address, then find an expert with experience in these areas.
Family Physicians
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by family physicians. They'll ask about your symptoms, concerns at school, work or in relationships. They will also ask you about your medical history, and may also look over records from childhood such as report cards. They can help you manage ADHD by offering tools, accommodations, or adjustments that will allow you to achieve and succeed as people without ADHD. These accommodations can be compared to a step stool, which allows someone who is shorter to reach higher goals.
Many doctors believe ADHD is due to the absence or imbalance of neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that are responsible for allowing various parts of your body to function. This is why doctors may prescribe medications to restore the proper balance of neurotransmitters. These drugs include stimulants, such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, and non-stimulants, including atomoxetine and bupropion. They can be beneficial, but most people with ADHD do better with psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.
The symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity and inattention, can create stress. They can also make people more susceptible of anxiety or depression and lead them to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs which can worsen their ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD are often required to perform more at home and at work to meet their goals, which can lead them to feel ashamed or guilt. This can lead to strained relationships with family and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can make it easier to achieve success at work and home. It could even help you turn some of your ADHD symptoms into positives, such as being highly creative or having a great memory.
Finding a doctor who can understand your symptoms can be difficult, but you need to find one who can help manage the symptoms. It's also essential to join a support group so that you can get the help you require. The more you learn 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 family, friends and co-workers.
Neurologists
Many people with ADHD aren't diagnosed until adulthood Some don't even realize they suffer from the condition at all. This could be due to a variety of reasons. Symptoms may have been overlooked by parents or teachers in childhood or they might not have received the assistance needed to be successful. Also, the co-morbidity of other illnesses such as sleep disorders or depression can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD which makes it difficult to differentiate one from the other.
It is crucial to select an expert in healthcare who has expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults. This includes neurology specialists who are able to conduct comprehensive ADHD tests and assessments to assess a patient's cognitive functioning medical history, as well as psychosocial context.
Ask your primary physician for recommendations or verify credentials with local neurology associations. It is also important to confirm that your neurologist is expertise and board certification, as well as experience in treating adult ADHD. Choose a neurologist that communicates clearly and provides details about the treatment options available to you.
A specialist in neurology will also be able to look for other conditions that often coexist with ADHD. These include sleeping disorders and learning disabilities. They can use electroencephalograms (EEG) to determine if a person is experiencing normal brain activity or if they have seizures, or a different neurological issue that needs to addressed to improve the effectiveness their ADHD medication.
A neurologist can also conduct psychotherapy to help adults who have ADHD overcome their challenges and improve their self-esteem. They can help teach strategies for managing time, assist plan tasks and keep organized. They can also help people learn to tolerate frustration and deal with anger and develop their interpersonal skills. In addition, they can address negative self-talk that has been developed due to years of struggling with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD is treatable and the most effective treatments usually include a combination of drugs as well as skills training and psychotherapy. It is essential to select the right specialist. A good place to start is with a primary physician or family physician, who can help you begin on the right path for treatment. Many have also discovered it beneficial to seek assistance from a therapist, coach, or counselor.
Find a variety of potential providers when looking for an adult ADHD expert. Ask potential specialists about how they approach treatment. Create a list of your goals and symptoms that you'd like to focus on in therapy. You can also ask about their education and training, as well as whether they have prior experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Many psychologists have specific training in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. They may use a range of psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy. They may also employ relaxation and mindfulness techniques to increase the client's ability self-regulate, and deal with the symptoms. These strategies are particularly helpful for adults who have difficulties with self-esteem, negative self-talk and self-criticism.
Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are sometimes more attuned to the specific issues of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. In addition, they might be more aware of how ADHD affects relationships as well as work performance.
In certain states, psychologists are able to prescribe medications to their patients. However, they usually refer patients who require psychiatric intervention to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and can also help clients with other psychiatric conditions that commonly co-occur with adult ADHD including bipolar disorder, depression and severe anxiety.
In general it's an ideal idea to search for an ADHD specialist within a larger medical practice. It's more convenient to have a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor in the same location. It also makes it easier to communicate and share information with them. Additionally some psychiatrists have an approach that is family-oriented and are willing to treat children as well as adults who are part of the same family.
