ADHD Doctors – Choosing the Right One For Your Child

Written by: Peter Harrison

Category: General

Published: May 22, 2022

There are many types of ADHD doctors, from Behavior therapists to Psychiatrists, but which one is best for your child? Here are some tips. When choosing a doctor for your child, choose a qualified and compassionate professional who will treat the underlying problem. You can also use online directories to find a doctor’s specialties and areas of expertise. If you’re unsure of what type of treatment your child requires, interview several specialists and ask questions about their experiences.

Adults

Finding the best ADHD doctor isn’t always easy. Most adults with ADHD never seek medical attention because they don’t believe they have the disorder. However, not addressing the symptoms could lead to a diminished quality of life. Because of this, you should consider seeking treatment from a doctor who has experience treating adults with ADHD. This article will cover some of the questions you should ask your potential doctor. It will also give you a printable guide to ask your doctor.

A psychiatrist is the traditional ADHD doctor. Most psychiatrists have advanced training in adult ADHD. However, the condition was not widely recognized until the 1990s. Moreover, it took years for psychiatric residencies to develop the faculty to train psychiatrists to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults. Despite this, recent graduates of psychiatry residencies are well-trained in the treatment of adults with ADHD. Prior graduates usually learned about the condition through continuing education programs and professional accreditation.

Children

Choosing the right children and ADHD doctors can be challenging. There are numerous medical professionals who specialize in treating mental health disorders, and you may not know which is the best for your child. In Alabama, for instance, there are only 20 child psychiatrists. If your child lives more than 100 miles from a psychiatrist, it may be difficult to afford their services. To make matters worse, finding a pediatrician in your area may be difficult.

The best treatment for children with ADHD involves parent training and classroom support. Medication should be considered only when these measures fail to alleviate symptoms. ADHD medications are available through primary care providers and include FDA-approved drugs. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine. In addition to parent training and behavioral interventions, doctors should implement formal classroom support programs. Children who are diagnosed with ADHD may require a change in school to improve their academic performance and social functioning.

Psychiatrists

More children are seeing their primary care physician for symptoms of ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety. While pediatricians do not diagnose mental health conditions, they often prescribe medication for children. Pediatricians tend to prescribe psychotropic drugs and mood-altering medications. The American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines for treating these conditions in children and teens in 2009. Ultimately, the best care for children with mental illnesses may involve a combination of primary care and psychiatric treatment.

Behavioral therapy may be the first course of treatment for ADHD. Once behavioral therapy is ineffective, a child may require medication. A child who responds to medication usually performs well in school, in the family, and in social situations. Medications can also be used as a stand-alone treatment for clients without comorbid mental illnesses. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a child may benefit from behavioral therapy and medication alone.

Behavior therapists

Some children with ADHD benefit from a chart system at school. The teacher will fill out a report each day, describing the child’s in-school tasks and positive behaviors. The teacher will then mark the report. If the child meets these criteria, he or she may earn a reward. The system is not limited to treating ADHD, though. Parents can also work with behavior therapists to teach their children new coping and support skills.

Behavioral therapy is most effective when it’s paired with the correct parenting strategies. Changing the way parents respond to children’s negative behavior is an important part of treatment, because these actions reinforce the negative behavior. Parents should be sure to surround their children with people who encourage positive behavior and discourage negative behaviors. A therapist can help them teach parents how to set rules and respond appropriately to children’s behaviors. These classes usually take place weekly for three or four months. They are very beneficial for parents and children alike.