Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you have ADHD, your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist. The two main kinds of specialists who treat ADHD are psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychologists can prescribe medications.
Your consultant may talk to coworkers instructors, supervisors, and co-workers to learn about your work or school performance problems. They may also ask you about your family background and use psychological tests.
Psychiatrists
Certain psychiatrists are adept at treating adults with ADHD However, it is best to consult an expert. If your local mental clinics or community centres offer referral services, they may have the names of specialists in your region. You can also look online or ask your friends for suggestions. If you are insured look up which companies will accept your plan.
A Psychiatrist is a physician who is licensed to prescribe medication for a variety of psychiatric conditions such as ADHD. Psychiatrists usually have training in differential diagnosis and are able to identify the cause of your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. They also treat comorbid disorders, like depression or severe anxiety, bipolar disorders, or aggressive disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD.
Adult ADHD is managed by psychologists who focus on the psychological aspect of the disorder. They aid patients in dealing with symptoms through talk therapy. This can be cognitive behavioral therapy or a psychodynamic therapy. They may not be able prescribe medications, but they can work with an ADHD medical professional or psychiatrist to oversee the patient's complete treatment plan. They can help patients develop strategies that help improve their everyday functioning, including organizational techniques or healthy habits related to diet, exercise, sleep/wake routines.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors or Professional Counselors (LMHC, LPC) are mental health professionals with an advanced degree and offer different types of talk therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are able to conduct initial assessments and they can refer their clients for a more thorough evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist. These therapists can also provide support sessions or individual therapy to meet particular requirements.
Many people who suffer from ADHD encounter difficulties in their relationships, and a psychiatrist can help them develop abilities to improve communication and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists will offer marriage or family therapy. Others will work with a coach, or therapy therapist who is trained to work with ADHD patients to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive behavioral support along with their medication.
Be aware of your unique circumstances and goals when searching for a doctor who can treat adult ADHD. Make an inventory of your symptoms and the problems you'd like to address and then search for a practitioner who has expertise in these areas.
Family Physicians
Family physicians are the most common healthcare professionals who treat ADHD in adults. They'll ask about your symptoms, concerns at school, work or in relationships. They'll also ask about your medical history and examine any records from childhood, such as report cards. They can also help you manage your ADHD by suggesting accommodations, tools or changes that allow you to reach and achieve the same level as people who don't have ADHD. These adjustments can be similar to a step stool that helps those who are smaller to achieve higher goals.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is due to the absence or imbalance of neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that signal different organs of your body to function. The doctors may prescribe medications to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These medications include stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as bupropion, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine. They can be beneficial however, most people with ADHD do better with psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Stress can be caused by ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity and lack of attention. They can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression, and increase the likelihood to seek out self-medication with 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 their goals and this can cause them to feel embarrassed or guilt. This can lead to difficult relationships with family and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help you to succeed at work and at home. It could even help you turn your ADHD symptoms into benefits like being creative or having a strong memory.
Finding untreated adhd in adults relationships and getting diagnosed can be a challenge, but it's important to find a doctor who is aware of your symptoms and can assist you in managing these. You should also join an organization that can provide the help you require. The more you are aware of your symptoms and the best ways to manage them, you will be better prepared to tackle life's challenges. You'll also be more likely to have positive relationships with family, coworkers and friends.
Neurologists
Many people who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed until they reach adulthood Some don't even discover they have the condition in the first place. This can happen for many reasons. For instance, their symptoms might have been ignored in childhood because parents or teachers did not notice them or provided them with the supportive environment that they needed to thrive despite their issues. Or, the multi-factorial nature of other disorders such as depression or sleep disorders can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD and make it difficult to differentiate one from the other.
It is essential to choose an expert in healthcare who has experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. A neurology specialist can offer comprehensive ADHD assessments and testing to evaluate the cognitive capacity of the patient and psychosocial history, medical history and other aspects.
When selecting a neurologist, ask your primary care physician for referrals or check with local associations of neurologists to confirm credentials. You should also ensure that your neurologist is the board certification and has experience treating adults with ADHD. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and offers information about your treatment options.
A specialist in neurology can also assess for comorbid conditions that frequently coexist with ADHD like learning disabilities and sleep disorders. They can conduct electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to determine if a person's brain activity is normal or if they have a seizure-related disorder or another neurological issue that must be addressed in order to maximize the effectiveness of their ADHD medication.
A neurologist may also provide psychotherapy to help people suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and build a positive self-image. For example, they can teach strategies to manage time, plan work tasks, and stay organized. They can assist people in learning to tolerate frustration and anger and improve their relationships. They can also address the negative self-talk developed over years of dealing with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD can be treated. The most effective treatments are often a combination of medication, skill-training and psychotherapy. But, it's crucial to find the right professional for you. It's best to start by talking with your primary health care provider or family physician who can help you get started on the right path. Additionally, many have found it helpful to seek help from a therapist, counselor or coach.
Interview several potential providers when looking for an adult ADHD expert. Ask potential specialists how they approach treatment. Make a list of your goals and symptoms that you'd like to concentrate on during therapy. You could also inquire about their education, training and experience in treating adults with ADHD.
A lot of psychologists have training in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. They can employ a variety of psychotherapy techniques including cognitive behavior therapy and inter-personal therapy. They may also utilize mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help clients improve their ability to self-regulate and cope with their symptoms. These strategies can be 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 sensitive to the unique issues of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. They could also be more aware of the way ADHD affects relationships at work and in the workplace.
In certain states psychologists can prescribe medications for their patients. However, they will usually refer clients who need 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 including depression, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety.
In general, it's an ideal idea to search for an ADHD specialist within an established medical practice. This will give you the benefit of having a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor all 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 see both children and adults within the same family.