British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has training in treating mental health conditions. They can help diagnose ADHD , prescribe medication, and provide your child with counseling or therapy. It’s best to seek out a psychiatrist who has experience treating children.
A psychologist , a psychiatrist , or a neurologist is best equipped to diagnose ADHD in adults. A master level therapist is recommended only for the initial screening. Only a psychiatrist , neurologist, or family physician can prescribe medication for adults with ADHD .
Behavioral therapy for ADHD. Behavioral therapy , also known as behavior modification , has been shown to be a very successful treatment for children with ADHD. It is especially beneficial as a co-treatment for children who take stimulant medications and may even allow you to reduce the dosage of the medication .
Behavior therapy is an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) that can improve a child’s behavior, self-control, and self-esteem. It is most effective in young children when it is delivered by parents.
Attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) (sometimes referred to as ADD for those without hyperactivity) is thought to be a neurological disorder, always present from childhood, which manifests itself with symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, poor impulse control, and distractibility.
According to the latest DSM-V guidelines, in order to be diagnosed with ADHD , a patient has to have shown at least six of the nine symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity prior to age 12. In addition, these symptoms must impair the person’s functioning in more than one setting — home, school, or work.
Three major types of ADHD include the following: ADHD , combined type . This, the most common type of ADHD , is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors as well as inattention and distractibility. ADHD , impulsive/hyperactive type . ADHD , inattentive and distractible type .
Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.
Hormonal changes can cause ADHD symptoms to worsen , making life even more difficult for women. For men and women, aging can also lead to cognitive changes.
Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.
ADHD is a disorder that affects the brain and behaviors. There’s no known cure for ADHD , but several options can help your child manage their symptoms. Treatments range from behavioral intervention to prescription medication. In many cases, medication alone is an effective treatment for ADHD .
Herbs like ginkgo, ginseng, and passionflower may also help calm hyperactivity. Supplementing without a doctor’s oversight can be dangerous — particularly in children. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in trying these alternative therapies.
Ask your psychiatrist or primary care doctor if they know a good adult ADHD therapist . You can also search for professionals in your area on the websites of organizations like Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) and the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA).
There’s no simple test to determine whether you or your child has ADHD , but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The assessment may include: a physical examination, which can help rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. a series of interviews with you or your child.
There are two main types of medication for ADHD: stimulant and non-stimulant. They work in different ways in the brain to help control ADHD’s key symptoms. For some kids, ADHD medications can have side effects. These usually go away after a few days.