Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you suffer from adult ADHD, your doctor is likely to refer you to a mental health professional. Psychiatrists and psychologists are the two main types of professionals who treat ADHD. Psychologists are able to prescribe medications.
Your specialist may interview your supervisors or coworkers as well as your teachers, to find out about any issues you're experiencing at work or at school. They might also inquire about your family history and conduct psychological testing.
Psychiatrists
Some psychiatrists have experience with treating adults with ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist. If your local mental health clinics or community centers provide referral services, they might have lists of specialists in the area. You can also ask your family or friends for recommendations or look online for recommendations. If you have insurance look up which insurance companies accept your plan.
A psychiatrist, also known as a Psychiatrist is a licensed physician who can prescribe medication to treat a variety psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD. Psychiatrists usually have training in differential diagnosis. They are able to identify the root cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. They can also treat comorbid disorders, like depression, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, or aggressive disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adult ADHD focus on the psychological aspect of the disorder and work to assist patients in coping with their symptoms by using talk therapy, often psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy. They might not be able 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 learn how to improve their daily functioning. This could include organizing strategies, healthy habits related eating, exercise, and sleep/wake schedules, or even strategies for organizing.
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 able 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 requirements.
A psychiatrist can help people with ADHD who have difficulties in their relationships. They can learn to improve their communication skills and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists offer marriage or family therapy. Some psychiatrists work with a therapist, coach or a therapist that is specially trained to deal with ADHD patients.
When seeking a doctor who treats adult ADHD take into consideration the specific circumstances and goals you have set for your life. Create a list of your symptoms and the issues you wish to address, and then locate an expert with 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, problems at school, work or in relationships. They'll also ask about your medical history and examine any records from childhood such as school reports. They can assist you with managing ADHD by providing tools, accommodations or adjustments that will enable you to reach and succeed as people without ADHD. These accommodations can be similar to an incline, which lets someone who is smaller to reach higher goals.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is caused by the absence or imbalance of neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that signal different parts of your body to function. This is why these doctors may prescribe medication to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These medications include stimulants, such as amphetamines, the methylphenidate. They also include non-stimulants like atomoxetine or bupropion. While they can be beneficial but the majority of people suffering from ADHD benefit more from lifestyle or psychotherapy.
The symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and impulsivity, may create stress. They also increase the risk of anxiety or depression and increase their risk to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs, which can actually worsen their ADHD symptoms. People who suffer from ADHD typically must be more efficient in meeting their goals at home and work and this can cause feelings of guilt or shame. This can lead to strained relationships between family members and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD but treatment can help you to be successful at work and home. It can help you turn some ADHD symptoms into positives like being more innovative or having a great memory.
Getting diagnosed and diagnosed can be a challenge and stressful, but it's crucial to find a doctor that understands your symptoms and can assist you in managing them. It's also important to find a support organization to get the help you require. The more you understand about your symptoms and the best methods to deal with 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 colleagues.
Neurologists
Many people with ADHD don't get diagnosed until later in life, and some never find out they are suffering from the condition at all. This can be for many reasons. For instance, their symptoms may have been overlooked in their early years because their parents or teachers did not notice them or provided them with the support they needed to thrive despite their symptoms. The comorbidity of other conditions such as depression or sleep disorders can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD which makes it difficult to differentiate one from the other.
It is essential to select the right healthcare professional who is skilled in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. This includes neurology specialists who can perform comprehensive ADHD testing and assessments to determine the cognitive function of a patient medical history, as well as psychosocial context.
When selecting a neurologist, consult your primary care physician for referrals or check with local neurology associations to verify credentials. It is also important to confirm that your neurologist is expertise and board certification, as well as experience in treating adult ADHD. Choose a neurologist who communicates clearly and offers details on the treatment options available.
A neurology expert can also evaluate for comorbid disorders that often coexist with ADHD, such as sleep disorders and learning disabilities. They can conduct electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to determine if the brain activity of a patient is normal or if they have a seizure-related disorder or other neurological issue that must be addressed to maximize the effectiveness of their ADHD medication.
A neurologist can also provide psychotherapy to help those suffering from ADHD overcome their difficulties and improve their self-perception. They can help teach time management strategies, help plan tasks and keep organized. They can help people learn to handle anger and frustration and also improve their relationships. Additionally, they can tackle negative self-talk which has been developed due to years of struggle with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD is treatable, and the most effective treatments typically include a combination of drugs, skills training, and psychotherapy. It is important to choose the right doctor for you. Start by speaking with your primary medical doctor or family doctor, who will help you begin on the right track. Additionally, many have found it beneficial to seek out help from a therapist, counselor, or coach.
If you are looking for an adult ADHD specialist, make sure to speak with several potential providers. Ask Iam Psychiatry how they approach treatment. Make a list of the symptoms you'd like to address during therapy. You may also inquire about their training, education and experiences in treating adults with ADHD.
A lot of psychologists are trained to diagnose and treatment adult ADHD. They may use various psychotherapy methods that include cognitive psychotherapy and interpersonal therapy. They may also use techniques of relaxation and mindfulness to help clients improve their ability to manage and cope with their symptoms. These strategies are particularly 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 specific difficulties of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. In addition, they might be more knowledgeable about the ways that ADHD affects relationships and performance.
In some states psychologists can prescribe medication to their patients. However, they usually refer patients who require psychotherapeutic intervention to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and may also assist clients suffering from other psychiatric issues that often co-occur with ADHD including bipolar disorder, depression and severe anxiety.
In general it is recommended to look for an ADHD specialist within the larger medical practice. It's beneficial to have a psychiatrist, therapist or counselor in the same place. It can also make it easier to communicate and exchange information with them. In addition certain psychiatrists take a family-oriented approach and are willing to treat children as well as adult members of the same family.