Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD You will most likely be referred to an expert in mental health by your physician. The two primary types of specialists that 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 in school. They could also inquire about your family background and use psychological tests.
Psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists have experience with treating adults with ADHD. However, it is best to seek out a specialist. If adhd treatment for adult women or community centers offer referral services, then they might have experts in your region. You can also search on the internet or ask friends for suggestions. If you have insurance make sure you know which providers accept your plan.
A Psychiatrist is a doctor who is licensed to prescribe medication for a range of mental health conditions that include ADHD. Psychiatrists usually have training in differential diagnosis and are able to identify the root cause of your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. They also treat comorbid disorders, including depression, severe anxiety bipolar disorder, or aggressive disorders, that co-occur with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adults with ADHD concentrate on the psychological aspect of the disorder and work to assist patients in coping with their symptoms through talk therapy, often psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy. They may not be able to prescribe medication however they can work with an ADHD Psychiatrist or medical doctor to oversee a patient's entire treatment plan. They can help patients develop strategies to improve their daily functioning, including organizational techniques or healthy habits related to diet, exercise and sleep/wake schedules.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors or Professional Counselors (LMHC, LPC) are mental health professionals who have an advanced degree and offer different types of talk therapy. LMHCs or LPCs can conduct initial assessments and refer clients to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a more thorough evaluation. Therapists are also able to offer support sessions and individual therapy to address specific needs.
A psychiatrist can help people with ADHD who are having difficulties in their relationships. They can learn how to improve communication skills and resolve conflicts. Some psychiatrists will offer marriage or family therapy. Others may work with a coach or specialist therapist who has been specifically trained in working with ADHD patients to ensure their patients receive the best possible behavioral treatment in addition to their medication.
Consider your unique life circumstances and goals when looking for a doctor who can treat adult ADHD. Make an inventory of your symptoms and the issues you want to tackle, then look for an expert with expertise in these areas.
Family Physicians
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by family doctors. They'll ask about your symptoms, concerns at school, work or in relationships. They'll also ask you about your medical history, and may also look over the records from your childhood like report cards. They can also help you manage your ADHD by recommending adjustments, tools, or other changes that allow you to succeed and reach your goals like people who don't have ADHD. Consider adhd treatment for adults without medication as a step that allows a shorter person to achieve greater heights.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is caused by a shortage or imbalance in neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that allow different organs of your body to function. Doctors may prescribe medication to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These medications include stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate, as well as non-stimulants, including atomoxetine and bupropion. Although they can be beneficial for some, the majority of people with ADHD benefit more from psychotherapy or lifestyle changes.
Stress can be caused by ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity and lack of attention. They also increase the likelihood of anxiety and depression and make people more likely to self-medicate with alcohol or other substances. This can worsen ADHD symptoms. People who suffer from ADHD are often required to work more at home and at work to achieve their goals which can cause them to feel shame or guilt. This can result in tensions between family members and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can make it easier to succeed at work and home. It can also help you turn some of your ADHD symptoms into advantages for example, being creative or having a good memory.
Finding a doctor that understands your symptoms can be a challenge however, you must find one who can help manage them. It is also important to find an aid group to get the assistance you require. The more you understand about your symptoms and how to manage them, the better prepared you'll be at handling life's challenges. You'll be more likely to have positive relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers.
Neurologists
Many people with ADHD don't get diagnosed until they reach adulthood, and some never realize they have the condition in the first place. This can be due to many reasons. For instance, their symptoms might have been ignored during their childhood because parents or teachers did not notice them or provided them with the environment that they needed to thrive despite their ailments. Also, the comorbidity of other conditions like depression or sleep disorders can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
It is essential to choose an expert in healthcare who has experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults. This includes a neurology specialist who can conduct thorough ADHD tests and assessments to determine the patient's cognitive performance as well as medical history and psychosocial context.
When selecting a neurologist, ask your primary care physician for recommendations or consult with local associations of neurologists to confirm credentials. 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 neurology expert will also be able to examine for other disorders that are often associated with ADHD. These include learning disabilities and sleeping disorders. They can use electroencephalograms (EEG) to determine if someone has normal brain activity or if there is seizures, or a different neurological issue that needs to dealt with to improve the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.
A neuroscientist can also conduct psychotherapy to help adults who have ADHD cope with their difficulties and build self-confidence. For instance, they could teach strategies to manage time, plan tasks and stay organized. They can help people learn to manage anger and frustration and improve their relationships. They can also address the negative self-talk that has developed over the course of dealing with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD can be treated. The most effective treatments are often an amalgamation of medication, skill-training and psychotherapy. But, it's crucial to choose the right doctor for you. Start by speaking with your primary medical doctor or family doctor to help you get started on the right path. Many have also discovered it beneficial to seek out help from an therapist, coach or counselor.
If you are looking for an adult ADHD specialist, make sure to speak with several potential providers. Ask potential specialists how they approach treatment. Make a list of the symptoms you'd like to concentrate on in therapy. You can also inquire about their education and training, and if they have prior experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
A lot of psychologists have training in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. They can employ a variety of psychotherapy techniques that include cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. They may also use techniques of relaxation and mindfulness to help clients improve their ability to regulate their behavior and manage their symptoms. These strategies are especially helpful for those who suffer from low self-esteem, negative thinking, and self-criticism.
Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are often more sensitive to the particular difficulties of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. They may also be more aware of the way ADHD affects relationships at work and in the workplace.
In certain states psychologists are permitted to prescribe medication for their patients. However, they will usually send patients in need of psychotherapeutic treatment to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and other psychiatric disorders typically associated with adult ADHD. These include bipolar disorder, depression and severe anxiety.
In general it's recommended to look for an ADHD specialist within a larger medical practice. It's convenient to have a psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor in the same location. It also makes it easier to communicate and exchange information with them. Some psychiatrists are family-oriented, and will treat children as well as adults in the same family.