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 doctor. The two primary types of specialists that treat ADHD are psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
Your specialist may interview co-workers instructors, supervisors, and co-workers to find out about your work or school performance issues. They might also inquire about your family history and use psychological tests.
Psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists have experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is best to seek out a specialist. If your local mental health clinics or community centers offer referral services, they could have lists of specialists in the area. untreated adhd in adults relationships can also search on the internet or ask your friends for suggestions. Verify that your insurance plan is accepted by the providers.
A Psychiatrist, or psychiatrist, is a licensed physician who can prescribe medication to treat a variety psychiatric disorders, including ADHD. They typically have specialized training in differential diagnosis. They are able to identify the cause of your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. They also treat comorbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety that is severe, bipolar disorder, or aggressive disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD.
Adult ADHD is managed by psychologists who focus on the psychological aspect of the condition. They assist patients in coping with symptoms through talk therapy. This can be 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 help patients develop strategies that help improve their everyday functioning, including organizational strategies or healthy habits relating to diet, exercise and sleep/wake routines.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals who have a master's degree who provide different kinds of therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are qualified to conduct initial assessments, and can refer clients for a more thorough assessment with a psychologist, or psychiatrist. These therapists can also offer support sessions and individual therapy for particular needs.
A psychiatrist can help people with ADHD who have difficulties in their relationships. They can learn to improve their communication skills and resolve conflicts. Some psychiatrists provide family or marriage therapy. Some psychiatrists collaborate with a therapist, coach or a therapist who is specially trained to work with ADHD patients.
Take into consideration your personal circumstances and goals when looking for a doctor who can treat adult ADHD. Make an inventory of your symptoms and problems you'd like to address and then find an expert who has expertise in these areas.
Family Physicians
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by family physicians. They will ask you about your symptoms, problems at work, school, 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 assist you with managing ADHD by providing tools, accommodations or adjustments that will enable you to reach and be successful as those with ADHD. Think of these accommodations as a step-stool that allows a shorter person to attain higher goals.
Many doctors believe ADHD is due to a shortage or imbalance in neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that signal various parts of your body to function. This is why these doctors may prescribe medications to restore the correct balance of neurotransmitters. These drugs include stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and bupropion. While they can be beneficial, most people with ADHD benefit more from lifestyle or psychotherapy.
The symptoms of ADHD, especially impulsivity and inattention, can result in stress. They also increase the likelihood of anxiety and depression, and make people more likely to use alcohol or drugs. This can actually worsen ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD are often required to work harder at home and at work to meet expectations which can cause them to feel embarrassed or guilt. This can lead to tensions between family members and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help you to achieve success at work and at home. It can help you turn some ADHD symptoms into positives such as being creative or having an excellent memory.
Finding a doctor who can understand your symptoms can be difficult however, you must find a doctor who can help manage them. It's also important to find a support group so that you can get the help you need. The more you are aware of your symptoms and the best ways to deal with them, you'll be better equipped to face the challenges of life. You'll be more likely to enjoy positive relationships with your family, friends and co-workers.
Neurologists
Many people suffering from ADHD don't get diagnosed until adulthood and some don't discover they have the condition at all. This can be due to many reasons. For instance, their symptoms could have been ignored during their childhood because teachers or parents did not notice them or provided them with the supportive environment they needed to thrive despite their issues. The comorbidity with other conditions, such as depression or sleeping disorders, can mimic the ADHD symptoms which makes it difficult to differentiate between the two.
It is important to choose an expert in healthcare who is skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. A neurology specialist can provide complete ADHD assessments and testing to determine the patient's cognitive function and psychosocial history, medical history, and other factors.
When selecting a neurologist, ask your primary care physician for referrals or check with local neurology associations to verify credentials. It is also important to confirm that your doctor has the board certification and has experience treating adults with ADHD. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and provides you with details on the treatment options available.
A specialist in neurology can also examine for other disorders that can coexist with ADHD. These include sleeping disorders and learning disabilities. They can use electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to determine whether a person's brain activity is normal or if they suffer from a seizure disorder or other neurological issue that needs to be addressed to increase the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.
A neurologist can also offer psychotherapy to help those suffering from ADHD overcome their difficulties and improve their self-perception. For example, they can teach strategies for managing time, plan tasks, and stay organized. They can assist people in learning to handle anger and frustration and improve their relationships. In addition, they are able to address negative self-talk that has developed as a result of years of struggling with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD is treatable, and the most effective treatments often require a combination of medication, skills training, and psychotherapy. It is crucial to choose the right doctor. The best place to begin is with a primary physician or family physician who can help you begin on the right path for treatment. Many people have also discovered it beneficial to seek out help from an therapist, coach or counselor.
When searching for an adult ADHD specialist, make sure to speak with various potential providers. Ask potential specialists about how they approach treatment. Create a list of the symptoms you'd like to address in therapy. You may also inquire about their education, training and experiences in treating adults with ADHD.
Many psychologists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. They can employ a variety of psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy. They may also utilize techniques of relaxation and mindfulness to enhance a client's capacity to manage and cope with their symptoms. These techniques can be especially 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 unique difficulties of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. They might also be more aware of the ways ADHD affects work and relationships.
In some states, psychologists may prescribe medication to their patients. However, they will usually send patients in need of psychotherapeutic intervention to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and also assist clients suffering from other psychiatric issues that commonly co-occur with adult ADHD, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety.
It is best to find an ADHD specialist in a larger medical practice. This gives you the convenience of having a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor in one location and makes it easier to exchange information and inform them about each other's care. Some psychiatrists are family-oriented and will treat children as well as adults within the same household.