Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults

If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, you are likely to be recommended to an expert in mental health by your doctor. Psychologists and psychiatrists are the two major types of professionals who treat ADHD. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication.

Your consultant may talk to coworkers as well as teachers, supervisors and coworkers to get a better understanding of your school or work problems. They may also ask about your family history and use psychological testing.

Psychiatrists

Certain psychiatrists are adept at treating adults with ADHD however it is best to find an expert. If your local mental health clinics or community centres offer referral services, they may have a list of specialists in your local area. You can also search online or ask your friends for suggestions. If you have insurance look up which companies will accept your plan.

A Psychiatrist, or psychiatrist is a licensed doctor who can prescribe medication to treat a range of psychiatric disorders including ADHD. Psychiatrists are trained to make differential diagnosis, and can determine the cause of symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment. They can also treat co-occurring disorders, including depression, severe anxiety bipolar disorder, or aggressive disorders, which co-occur with ADHD.

Adult ADHD is treated by psychologists who focus on the psychological aspects of the disorder. They help patients cope with symptoms through talk therapy. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. They may not be able prescribe medications, but they can work with an ADHD psychiatrist or medical doctor to oversee the patient's treatment plan. They can help patients learn how to improve their daily functioning. This could include organizing strategies such as healthy habits, eating, exercise, and sleep/wake schedules, or even strategies for organizing.

Licensed Mental health counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals with master's degrees who offer various types of talk therapy. LMHCs and LPCs are qualified to conduct initial assessments and can refer clients for a deeper evaluation with a psychologist or psychiatrist. These therapists can also offer support groups and individual therapy to address particular requirements.

A psychiatrist can aid those with ADHD who have difficulties in their relationships. They can learn how to improve their communication skills and resolve conflicts. Some psychiatrists provide marriage or family counseling. Some psychiatrists collaborate with a coach, therapist or a therapist specially trained to deal with ADHD patients.

Consider your unique life 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 search for a practitioner who has experience in those areas.

Family Physicians

Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by family physicians. They'll talk to you about your symptoms and problems with work, school or relationships. They'll also ask you about your medical history and they might also review the records from your childhood like report cards. They can also assist you to manage your ADHD by recommending accommodations, tools or changes that allow you to achieve and succeed like those who don't suffer from ADHD. Consider these accommodations as a step-stool that allows a person who is shorter to achieve greater heights.

Many doctors believe ADHD is due to the absence or imbalance of neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that are responsible for allowing different parts of your body to function. The doctors may prescribe medications to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These drugs include stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, and non-stimulants, like atomoxetine or bupropion. They can be beneficial however, most people with ADHD benefit from counseling or lifestyle modifications.

Stress can be caused by ADHD symptoms, specifically impulsivity and lack of attention. They also make people more susceptible of anxiety or depression and lead them to self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs which can exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. People suffering from ADHD often need to be more efficient in meeting their goals at work and home which can trigger feelings of guilt or shame. 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 turn ADHD symptoms into advantages such as being highly creative or having a good memory.

Finding a doctor who understands your symptoms can be a challenge, but you need to find a doctor who can help manage the symptoms. You should also join an organization that can provide 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 life's challenges. You'll also be more likely to have positive relationships with your family, friends and co-workers.

Neurologists

Many people suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed until later in life and some don't discover they have the condition at all. This could be due to various reasons. For instance, their symptoms might be overlooked during their childhood because parents or teachers did not notice them or provided them with the support they needed to thrive despite their symptoms. Or, the multi-factorial nature of other disorders such as sleep disorders or depression can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD which makes it difficult to distinguish one from the other.

It is important to choose a healthcare professional that has expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults. A neurology specialist can offer thorough ADHD assessments and testing to assess the patient's cognitive abilities, medical history, psychosocial context, and other factors.

When selecting a neurologist, consult your primary care doctor for referrals or check with local neurology associations to verify credentials. You also want to ensure that the neurologist you choose is board-certified and has experience in treating adult ADHD patients. Find a neurologist who communicates clearly and gives you details about the treatment options available to you.

A neurology expert can also look for comorbid conditions that typically occur alongside ADHD, such as learning disabilities and sleep disorders. They can perform electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to determine whether the brain activity of a person is normal, or if they may have a seizure-related disorder or other neurological issue that must be addressed in order to maximize the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.


A neurologist can also offer psychotherapy to help people suffering from ADHD overcome their issues and improve their self-perception. They can provide strategies for managing time, and help to plan out tasks and keep things in order. They can also help individuals learn to manage their anger and address their anger and improve their relationship skills. In addition, they are able to tackle negative self-talk which has been developed due to years of struggle with ADHD.

adhd treatment for older adults is treatable, and the most effective treatments typically include a combination of drugs as well as skills training and psychotherapy. It is essential to select the right specialist. You can start by consulting your primary health care provider or family physician to help you get started on the right path. Many people have also discovered that it is beneficial to seek assistance from a therapist, coach, or counselor.

When you're looking for an adult ADHD specialist, make sure to talk with various potential providers. Ask potential specialists how they approach treatment. Make a list of symptoms and goals you'd like to focus on in therapy. You could also inquire about their education, training and experience in treating adults with ADHD.

Many psychologists have specific training 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 can also employ mindfulness and relaxation techniques to enhance a client's capacity to manage and cope with their symptoms. These techniques can be especially beneficial for adults who experience difficulties with self-esteem, negative self-talk, and self-criticism.

Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are often more attentive to the unique difficulties of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. In addition, they may be more aware of how ADHD affects relationships as well as work performance.

In certain states, psychologists are able to prescribe medications for their patients. However, they usually refer patients who require psychotherapeutic treatment to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD as well as other psychiatric disorders that are typically associated with adult ADHD. They can diagnose depression, bipolar disorder and severe anxiety.

In general it's recommended to look for an ADHD specialist within an established medical practice. This will give you the benefit of having a psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor in one place and makes it easier to share information and communicate with the other about each other's treatment. In addition certain psychiatrists take a family-oriented approach and are willing to see children and adults who are part of the same family.