Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, you will most likely be referred to a mental health professional by your physician. Psychologists and psychiatrists are the two primary types who treat ADHD. Psychologists can prescribe medications.
Your doctor may ask questions of your supervisors or coworkers as well as your teachers to find out about any issues you're experiencing at work or in school. They may also ask you about your family background and use psychological tests.
Psychiatrists
Certain psychiatrists have experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. However it is advisable to consult a specialist. If your local mental clinics or community centers offer referral services, they might have experts in your local area. You can also ask your friends or search online for recommendations. Make sure that your insurance plan is accepted by the providers.
A psychiatrist, also known as a psychiatrist, is a licensed physician who can prescribe medication to treat a range of psychiatric disorders, including ADHD. They are trained in differential diagnosis, and can determine the root of the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. They can also treat co-occurring disorders, like anxiety disorders or depression, bipolar disorders, or aggressive disorders that co-occur along with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD focus on the psychological aspects of the condition and work to help patients manage their symptoms through talks therapy, usually psychodynamic or cognitive therapy. They may not be able prescribe medication, but they are able to collaborate with an ADHD medical doctor or psychiatrist to oversee the patient's complete treatment plan. They can guide patients on how to improve their daily functioning. This includes organizing techniques and healthy habits that are related to eating, exercise, and sleep/wake schedules, or even strategies for organizing.
Licensed Mental Health counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals with master's degrees who offer various types of therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are certified to conduct initial assessments and they can refer their clients for a more thorough evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Therapists are also able to offer support groups or individual therapy for particular requirements.
Many people with ADHD experience challenges in their relationships. A psychiatrist can assist them in developing abilities to improve communication and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists offer marriage or family counseling. Others may work with a coach or a specialist therapist who has been specifically trained to work with ADHD patients to ensure that their patients receive the best possible behavioral treatment along with their medication.
If you are looking for a doctor that treats adult ADHD, consider the unique circumstances and goals you're pursuing in your life. Make a list with your symptoms and the issues you wish to address, and then search for a practitioner with expertise in these areas.
Family Physicians
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by family physicians. They'll ask about your symptoms, issues at work, school, or in relationships. They'll also inquire about your medical history and they may look at documents from your childhood, such as report cards. They can assist you with managing ADHD by providing tools, accommodations or modifications that enable you to reach and be successful as those with ADHD. Consider evidence based treatment for adhd in adults as a step that allows a shorter person to reach higher things.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is caused due to an imbalance or lack of neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that are responsible for allowing various parts of your body to function. The doctors may prescribe medications to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These medications include stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and bupropion. They can be helpful, but most people with ADHD benefit from psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Signs of ADHD, especially inattention and impulsivity, may create stress. They can also increase the risk of depression and anxiety and make people more likely to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. This can lead to worsening of ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD typically have to work harder to meet expectations at work and home and this can cause feelings of guilt or shame. This can result in strained relationships with family and friends.
ADHD is not cureable, but the correct treatment can make you more successful at work and at home. It can also assist you in turning some of your ADHD symptoms into benefits, such as being highly 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 help you manage these. It's also essential to find a support organization to get the help you require. The more you know about your symptoms and the best way to manage them, you will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of life. You'll be more likely to have positive relationships with your family, friends and co-workers.
Neurologists
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not get diagnosed until they reach adulthood, and some never realize they are suffering from the condition in the first place. This can be due to many reasons. For instance, their symptoms might be overlooked in their early years because teachers or parents didn't notice them or provide them with the supportive environment they needed to thrive despite their issues. Also, the multi-factorial nature of other disorders such as depression or sleep disorders can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD which makes it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
It's important to choose a healthcare professional that has expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. A specialist in neurology can provide comprehensive ADHD tests and assessments to evaluate the patient's cognitive abilities and psychosocial history, medical history, and other factors.
Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or check credentials with local neurology associations. You should also ensure that your neurologist has the board certification and has experience treating adults with ADHD. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and provides information about your treatment options.
A neurology expert can also assess for comorbid conditions that typically are associated with ADHD like sleep disorders and learning disabilities. They can conduct electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to determine whether a person's brain activity is normal, or if they may suffer from a seizure disorder or other neurological issue that needs to be addressed in order to increase the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.
A neurologist can also offer psychotherapy to help those suffering from ADHD overcome their issues and develop a positive self-image. They can provide strategies for managing time, and help organize tasks and stay organized. They can also help people learn to tolerate frustration and deal with anger and develop their interpersonal skills. They can also address the negative self-talk that develops over the course of dealing with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD is treatable, and the most effective treatments typically require a combination of medication, skills training, and psychotherapy. However, it's important to find the right professional for you. The best place to start is with a primary physician or family physician who can help you begin on the right path for treatment. Additionally, many have found it beneficial to seek help from a therapist, counselor or coach.
Meet with several potential providers when you are looking for an adult ADHD expert. Create a list of symptoms and goals that you want to concentrate on during therapy, and then ask prospective specialists about their approach to treatment. You can also inquire about their qualifications and education, as well as whether they have expertise in treating adults with ADHD.
A lot of psychologists have training in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. They may use a range of psychotherapy techniques including cognitive behavior therapy and inter-personal therapy. They may also use techniques of relaxation and mindfulness to enhance a client's capacity to regulate their behavior and manage their symptoms. These strategies are especially beneficial for adults who struggle with low self-esteem, negative thinking, and self-criticism.
Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are often more attentive to the specific difficulties of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. In addition, they might be more knowledgeable about how ADHD affects relationships as well as work performance.
In some states psychologists can prescribe medications to their patients. However, they will usually refer clients who need psychotherapeutic intervention to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and can also help clients suffering from other psychiatric issues that often co-occur with ADHD like bipolar disorder, depression, and severe anxiety.
In general it's recommended to look for an ADHD specialist within the larger medical practice. This will give you the benefit of having a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor all in one place, and it can make it easier to exchange information and inform the other about each other's treatment. Additionally some psychiatrists have an approach to family and are willing to treat children as well as adults who are part of the same family.