Finding a Doctor and More Help for Adult ADHD

Finding a Doctor and More Help for Adult ADHD ADHD Adult ADD/ADHD Print Finding a Doctor and Help for Adult ADHD By Keath Low Keath Low, MA, is a therapist and clinical scientist with the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina. She specializes in treatment of ADD/ADHD. Learn about our editorial policy Keath Low Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 06, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 26, 2019 ADHD Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Living With In Children - locrifa -/Getty Images If you are an adult with ADHD, you are not alone. Many adults, both fathers, and mothers, first learn about ADHD when their own child is diagnosed. As they describe their child’s symptoms to the doctor, they begin to feel that they are describing their own life. Looking back, childhood things finally begin to make more sense. There is often this “ah-ha” moment of clarity. There are several options you may want to explore for finding help. One idea is to talk with the clinician who diagnosed your daughter. Ask about specialists in your area who assess and treat adult ADHD â€" even better if the specialist is experienced in treating ADHD in women. Primary Care Provider If you have a good relationship with your primary care provider, you can certainly start there as well. Speak to your doctor about your concerns. Don’t get discouraged if your primary care provider is not experienced with ADHD; instead, ask for a referral to an ADHD specialist. However, when you initially voice your concerns with your doctor, dont be afraid to speak honestly about any questions or worries that you might have. ADHD Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctors appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF State Psychiatric Association or Psychological Association State psychiatric and psychological associations usually keep a listing of professionals by specialty. Check out the following links for more information: American Psychiatric Association: District Branches and State Associations American Psychological Association: Find a Psychologist University Psychiatry or Psychology Departments If you live near a university with a medical school call their psychiatry department and ask for information about local mental health professionals who are experienced in assessing and treating adult ADHD. You can also contact the school’s psychology department or psychology clinic for suggestions. Local Hospital and Community Mental Health Center Contact your local hospital psychiatry department or community mental health center for the same information. ADHD Support Groups Check to see if there is an ADHD support group in your area. Group members can often provide suggestions about local doctors who are knowledgeable about adult ADHD. To find out if you have a support group in your area check out the locator links of the following organizations: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) Yellow Pages You can also check the yellow pages for listings of local professionals who specialize in adult ADHD. Effective Treatment Begins With Accurate Diagnosis It is so important that the clinician who is evaluating you is knowledgeable about adult ADHD. He or she must be experienced in recognizing ADHD, but also in recognizing other co-occurring conditions that may be present, as well as being able to tease out other conditions that may be confused for ADHD. Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Misdiagnosis leads to ineffective treatment, more problems, and lots of frustration. So really do your research to find a specialist experienced in adult ADHD. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs