Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, you will most likely be directed to a mental health professional by your physician. The two main kinds of specialists who treat ADHD are psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychologists are able to prescribe medication.
Your doctor may ask questions of your supervisors or coworkers, as also your teachers, to find out about any problems you are experiencing at work or at school. They could also inquire about your family history and use psychological testing.
Psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists are experienced in treating adults with ADHD However, it is recommended to seek out a specialist. If your local mental clinics or community centers offer referral services, they may have experts in your area. You can also look online or ask your friends for suggestions. If you are insured make sure you know which companies will accept your plan.
A Psychiatrist is a physician who is licensed to prescribe medications for a range of mental disorders, including ADHD. They typically have specialized training in differential diagnosis and are able to identify the root of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. They can also treat co-occurring disorders, such as depression, severe anxiety bipolar disorder, aggressive disorders, that co-occur with ADHD.
Adult ADHD is handled by psychologists who concentrate on the psychological aspects of the condition. They aid patients in dealing with symptoms through talk therapy. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. They might not be able to prescribe medication, but they can coordinate with an ADHD psychiatrist or medical doctor to oversee a patient's entire treatment plan. They can guide patients on how to improve their daily functioning. This can include organizing techniques such as healthy habits, eating habits, exercise and sleep/wake schedules, or even strategies for organizing.
Licensed Mental Health counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals with an advanced degree that provide various types of talk therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are certified to conduct initial assessments and they can refer their clients for a more thorough assessment with a psychologist, or psychiatrist. These therapists are also able to provide support sessions or individual therapy to meet particular needs.
Many people who suffer from ADHD encounter difficulties in their relationships. A psychiatrist can help them develop skills to improve communication and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists provide marriage or family counseling. Others will work with a coach or therapist who is specifically trained to work with ADHD patients to ensure their patients receive the best possible behavioral treatment along with their medication.
Be aware of your unique circumstances and goals when searching for a doctor to treat adult ADHD. Make an inventory of your symptoms and the issues you want to tackle and then find an expert with experience in those areas.
Family Physicians
Family physicians are the most common healthcare providers who treat ADHD in adults. They'll ask about your symptoms, concerns at work, school, or in relationships. They will also ask you about your medical history, and they may look at documents from your childhood, such as report cards. They can assist you in managing ADHD by providing tools, accommodations or changes that will allow you to achieve and be successful as those with ADHD. Think of these accommodations as a step stool that allows a smaller person to attain higher goals.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is due to a lack or imbalance in neurotransmitters, chemical substances in the brain that signal different organs of the body to function. These doctors may prescribe medication to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These medications include stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and bupropion. They can be helpful however, most people with ADHD do better with therapy or lifestyle changes.
The symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity and inattention, can result in stress. They also increase the likelihood of anxiety and depression and make people more likely to seek out self-medication with alcohol or other drugs. This can worsen ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD are often required to work more at home and at work to achieve their goals which can cause them to feel ashamed or guilt. This can lead to tension between family members and friends.
ADHD is not curable, but the right treatment can help you succeed at work and at home. It could even help you turn your ADHD symptoms into benefits like being creative or having a good memory.
Finding a doctor that understands your symptoms can be difficult however, you must find a doctor who can help manage the symptoms. It is also important to find a support network to get the assistance you require. The more you understand about your symptoms and the best way to manage them, you'll be better prepared to face life's challenges. You'll also be more likely to have positive relationships with family members, friends and co-workers.
Neurologists
Some people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Others never learn that they suffer from ADHD. This can be due to various reasons. For instance, their symptoms could have been overlooked in their early years because parents or teachers didn't notice them or provide them with the supportive environment that they needed to thrive despite their symptoms. The comorbidity with other disorders, like sleeping disorders or depression can mimic the ADHD symptoms, making it hard to distinguish the two.
It's important to choose the right healthcare professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. adhd symptoms adults treatment in neurology can provide thorough ADHD tests and assessments to determine the cognitive capacity of the patient, medical history, psychosocial context, and other factors.
Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or check credentials with local associations for neurology. It is also important to make sure your neurologist is board-certified and experienced in treating adult ADHD patients. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and offers details on the treatment options available.
A specialist in neurology can also assess for other conditions that can coexist with ADHD. This includes learning disabilities and sleeping disorders. They can employ electroencephalograms (EEG) to determine if a person has normal brain activity or if they have a seizure disorder, or another neurological issue which needs to be treated to increase the effectiveness of their ADHD medication.
A neurologist may also provide psychotherapy to help those suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and improve their self-perception. For example, they can teach strategies to manage time, plan tasks, and remain organized. They can help people learn to handle anger and frustration, as well as improve their relationships. In addition, they can tackle negative self-talk which has been accumulated as a result of years of struggle with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD can be treated, and the most effective treatments often require a combination of medication as well as skills training and psychotherapy. However, it's important to choose the right doctor for you. It's best to start by talking with your primary health care provider or family physician who can help you begin on the right path. Additionally, many have found it beneficial to seek help from a therapist, counselor, or coach.
If adhd treatment for adults medication are looking for an adult ADHD specialist, be sure to speak with various potential providers. Ask potential specialists how they approach treatment. Make a list of symptoms and goals you'd like to address during therapy. You could also inquire about their education, training and experience in treating adults with ADHD.
A lot of psychologists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment adult ADHD. They can employ a variety of psychotherapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy. They may also employ meditation and relaxation techniques to increase the capacity of the client to manage their own emotions and manage symptoms. These strategies are particularly beneficial for adults who experience difficulty with self-esteem, negative self-talk and self-criticism.
Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are often more attentive to the particular difficulties of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. Additionally, they could be more familiar with the ways that ADHD affects relationships and performance.
In certain states psychologists can prescribe medication for their patients. However, they typically send patients in need of psychotherapeutic intervention to psychiatrists. They are able to diagnose ADHD and may also assist clients suffering from other psychiatric issues that often co-occur with ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression and severe anxiety.
It is recommended to seek out an ADHD specialist in a larger medical practice. This can provide the convenience of having a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor all in one location, and it can make it easier to communicate with the other about each other's treatment. Additionally, some psychiatrists have an approach that is family-oriented and are willing to see children and adults who are part of the same family.