Doctors That Treat ADHD in Adults

If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD then you will likely be referred to a mental health professional by your doctor. Psychologists and psychiatrists are the two primary kinds of specialists who treat ADHD. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication.

Your specialist may interview your supervisors or coworkers as well as your teachers, to learn about any problems you are having at work or in school. They may also ask about your family history and use psychological testing.

Psychiatrists

Some psychiatrists have experience with treating adults with ADHD. However it is advisable to consult a specialist. If your local mental health clinics or community centers provide referral services, they could have lists of specialists in the region. You can also ask your friends or look online for recommendations. Verify that your insurance plan is recognized by the insurers.

A Psychiatrist, or psychiatrist, is a licensed physician who prescribes medications to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders including ADHD. Psychiatrists are trained in differential diagnosis, and can identify the cause of symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment. They also treat comorbid disorders, like anxiety or depression, bipolar disorders, or aggressive disorders that co-occur along with ADHD.

Adult ADHD is managed by psychologists who focus on the psychological aspect of the disorder. They assist patients in coping with symptoms through talk therapy. This can be cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. They may not be able to prescribe medication, but they can coordinate with an ADHD physician or psychiatrist to oversee a patient's entire treatment plan. They can help patients learn how to improve their daily functioning. This can include organizing techniques, healthy habits related diet, exercise and schedules for sleep/wake, or organizational techniques.

Licensed Mental Health counselors or Professional Counselors are mental health professionals who have a master's degree who provide different kinds of therapy. LMHCs or LPCs can conduct initial assessments and recommend clients to a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct a more thorough evaluation. Therapists can also provide support groups or individual therapy for specific needs.

A psychiatrist can assist people with ADHD who have difficulties in their relationships. They can learn how to improve their communication skills and solve conflicts. Some psychiatrists offer marriage or family therapy. adhd treatment for older adults work with a coach, therapist or a therapist specifically trained to deal with ADHD patients.

Take into consideration your personal circumstances and goals when looking for a doctor who can treat adult ADHD. Make a list of your symptoms as well as the issues you wish to address, then look for an expert who has prior experience in these areas.

Family Physicians

Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by family physicians. They'll discuss with you your symptoms and issues in school, work or relationships. They will also ask you about your medical history and may also look over records from childhood such as report cards. They can also assist you to manage your ADHD by recommending accommodations, tools or changes that will allow you to achieve and succeed like people who do not have ADHD. These adjustments can be similar to a step stool, which helps those who are smaller to achieve higher goals.

Many doctors believe that ADHD is due to a lack or imbalance of neurotransmitters, chemical substances in the brain that signal different organs of the body to function. Doctors may prescribe medication to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. These include stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, and bupropion, as well non-stimulants like atomoxetine. They can be helpful however most people suffering from ADHD do better with psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.

Symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and impulsivity, can result in stress. They also increase the risk of anxiety and depression and make people more likely to use alcohol or drugs. This can actually worsen ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD often need to perform more to meet their obligations at work and home which can trigger feelings of shame or guilt. This can lead to tension between family members and friends.

There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can make it easier to succeed at work and at home. It can also help you turn your ADHD symptoms into positives like being creative or having a good memory.

Finding a doctor that understands your symptoms can be a challenge but you must find a doctor who can help manage the symptoms. It's also essential to find a support group so that you can receive the assistance you require. The more you are aware of your symptoms and the best methods to deal with them, you'll be better equipped to face life's challenges. You'll also be more likely to enjoy positive relationships with family, colleagues and friends.

Neurologists

Some people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood. Some people do not even realize that they have ADHD. This can happen for many reasons. For instance, their symptoms could have been ignored in childhood because their parents or teachers didn't recognize them or provide them with the environment that they needed to thrive despite their issues. The multi-factorial nature of other disorders such as depression or sleep disorders can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to differentiate one from the other.

It's crucial to select the right healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD among adults. A neurology specialist can offer complete ADHD assessments and testing to determine the patient's cognitive abilities and medical history, psychosocial context and other variables.

Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or check credentials with local associations for neurology. It is also important to ensure that the neurologist you choose 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 specialist can also assess for comorbid conditions that frequently coexist with ADHD like learning disabilities and sleep disorders. They can employ electroencephalograms (EEG) to determine if someone has normal brain activity or if there's a seizure disorder, or another neurological issue that needs to treated to increase the effectiveness of their ADHD treatment.

A neurologist can also offer psychotherapy to help those suffering from ADHD overcome their challenges and improve their self-image. For instance, they could teach strategies to manage time, plan tasks and remain organized. They can assist people in learning to manage anger and frustration, as well as improve their relationships. They can also help address the negative self-talk that develops over the course of dealing with ADHD.

Psychologists

ADHD is treatable and the most effective treatments typically require a combination of medication, skills training, and psychotherapy. But, it's crucial to find the right professional for you. It's best to start by talking with your primary care physician or family doctor to help you get started on the right path. Many people have also discovered that it is beneficial to seek out help from a therapist, coach, or counselor.

Meet with several potential providers when looking for an adult ADHD expert. Make a list of the symptoms and goals that you want to focus on in therapy, and inquire of prospective specialists about their treatment approach. You can also inquire about their qualifications and education, as well as whether they have experience treating adults with ADHD.

A lot of psychologists have training in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD. They can employ a variety of psychotherapy methods including cognitive behavior therapy and inter-personal therapy. They can also employ techniques of relaxation and mindfulness to help clients improve their ability to regulate their behavior and manage their symptoms. These techniques can be especially helpful for adults who have difficulties with self-esteem, negative self talk, and self-criticism.

Psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD are often more sensitive to the particular challenges of adult ADHD than other mental health professionals. In addition, they may be more aware of how ADHD affects relationships and work performance.

In some states psychologists can prescribe medications for their patients. They can refer patients in need of psychiatric treatment to psychiatrists. Psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and may also assist patients with other psychiatric disorders that commonly co-occur with adult ADHD, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and severe anxiety.


In general it is recommended to look for an ADHD specialist within the larger medical practice. This can provide the convenience of having a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor in one location and can make it easier to share information and communicate with the other about each other's treatment. Some psychiatrists are family-oriented, and will see both children and adults within the same household.