Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults
If you have 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. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications.
Your doctor may speak with coworkers as well as teachers, supervisors and coworkers to get a better understanding of your school or work problems. They could also inquire about your family history and conduct psychological testing.
adhd treatment for older adults are skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD however it is best to find an expert. If your local mental health clinics or community centers offer referral services, they might have a list of specialists in your region. You can also look online or ask friends for recommendations. Make sure that your insurance plan is recognized by the insurers.
A Psychiatrist or physician is someone who is licensed to prescribe medications for a range of mental health conditions that include ADHD. Psychiatrists typically have specialized training in differential diagnosis and are able to identify the root of your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. They also treat comorbid disorders, like depression, anxiety that is severe bipolar disorder, aggressive disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD.
Psychologists who treat adult ADHD concentrate on the psychological aspects of the condition and work to assist patients in coping with their symptoms by using talk therapy, often psychodynamic or cognitive therapy. They may not be able to prescribe medications but they can collaborate with an ADHD psychiatrist or medical doctor to manage a patient's complete treatment plan. They can help patients develop strategies to improve their daily functioning, including organizational techniques or healthy habits related to exercise, diet and sleep/wake schedules.
Licensed Mental health counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals with master's degrees who offer different kinds of therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are able 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 offer support groups or individual therapy for specific requirements.
Many people who suffer from ADHD encounter difficulties in their relationships, and a psychiatrist can help them develop skills to improve communication and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists provide family or marriage counseling. Others will work with a coach, or therapy therapist who is trained in working with ADHD patients to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive behavioral support alongside their medication.
When seeking a doctor who treats adult ADHD, consider the unique circumstances and goals of your life. Make a list with your symptoms and issues that you want to address, and then locate a practitioner with expertise in these areas.
Family Physicians
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by family physicians. They will ask you about your symptoms, problems at school, work or in relationships. They will also ask you about your medical history and may also look over documents from your childhood, such as report cards. They can assist you in managing ADHD by offering tools, accommodations, or modifications that allow you to achieve and be successful as those with ADHD. These adjustments can be similar to the step stool which helps those who are smaller to reach higher goals.
Many doctors believe that ADHD is due to 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 correct balance of neurotransmitters. These include stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as bupropion, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine. While they can be beneficial for some, the majority of people with ADHD benefit more from psychotherapy or lifestyle modifications.
Stress can be triggered by ADHD symptoms, particularly impulsivity and lack of attention. They can also make people more susceptible of depression or anxiety and make them more prone to self-medicating using alcohol or other drugs, which can actually worsen their ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD are often forced to work more at home and at work to meet their goals and this can cause them to feel shame or guilt. This can cause tensions between family members and friends.
There is no cure for ADHD but treatment can make it easier to achieve success at work and home. It can also help you turn your ADHD symptoms into benefits, such as being highly creative or having a good memory.
Finding a doctor who understands your symptoms can be difficult but you must find one who can help manage the symptoms. It's also crucial to find a support organization to get the help you require. The more you understand about your symptoms and the best way to deal with them, you will be better prepared to face the challenges of life. You'll be more likely to have positive relationships with your family, friends and colleagues.
Neurologists
Many people with ADHD aren't diagnosed until adulthood, and some never discover they suffer from the condition at all. This can be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, their symptoms may be overlooked in their early years because parents or teachers didn't recognize them or provide them with the environment they needed to flourish despite their issues. Also, the comorbidity of other illnesses, like sleep disorders or depression, could be similar to the ADHD symptoms and make it difficult to distinguish the two.
It's important to choose an expert in healthcare who has expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. A neurology specialist can provide complete ADHD tests and assessments to evaluate the patient's cognitive function as well as medical history, psychosocial context and other variables.
Ask your primary physician for recommendations or check credentials with local neurology associations. Also, make sure your neurologist is board-certified and has experience in treating adult ADHD patients. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and offers details on the treatment options available.
A neurology specialist can also look for other conditions that are often associated with ADHD. These include sleeping disorders and learning disabilities. They can use electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to determine if a person's brain activity is normal, or if they may have a seizure-related disorder or another neurological issue that must be addressed to improve the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.
A neurologist can also provide psychotherapy to help people with ADHD overcome their challenges and improve their self-esteem. They can provide time management strategies, help plan tasks and keep organized. They can assist people in learning to handle anger and frustration and also improve their relationships. Additionally, they can address negative self-talk that has been accumulated as a result of years of struggling with ADHD.
Psychologists
ADHD is treatable and the most effective treatments often require a combination of medication as well as skills training and psychotherapy. It is essential to select the right specialist. A good place to start is with a primary physician or family physician who can help you get started on the right path for treatment. Many people have also found it beneficial to seek out help from a therapist, coach, or counselor.
When you're looking for an adult ADHD specialist, be sure to talk with several potential providers. Ask potential specialists how they approach treatment. Make a list of symptoms and goals you'd like to address in therapy. You can also ask about their qualifications and education, as well as whether they have prior experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
A lot of psychologists have training in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. They can employ a variety of psychotherapy techniques that include cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal 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 especially helpful for those who suffer from low self-esteem, negative thoughts and self criticism.
Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are sometimes more attuned to the particular issues of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. In addition, they might be more aware of the ways that ADHD affects relationships as well as work performance.
In certain states psychologists can prescribe medication to their patients. However, they usually refer patients who require psychiatric intervention to psychiatrists. They are able to diagnose ADHD and can also help clients with other psychiatric conditions that are often co-occurring with adult ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and severe anxiety.
It is recommended to seek out an ADHD specialist within a larger medical practice. It's beneficial to have a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor in the same location. It can also make it easier for you to communicate and communicate with them. Some psychiatrists are family-oriented, and will treat children as well as adults in the same family.