There are a lot of questions surrounding how to choose an ADHD doctor. How do you know if the doctor is doing a good job? Can you really know what kind of training and education they have? It can all seem so confusing.
Why Choosing an ADHD Specialist is Important?
In most cases, you probably know the school the child has been going to or was diagnosed with. You know the weather and traffic in that area. You also know their friends. But did you know that most often, the child who was diagnosed was misdiagnosed? This is because the symptoms they were exhibiting were not really the ones that were characteristic of ADHD!
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Most children are diagnosed with ADHD when they exhibit some of the following symptoms: inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness. These behaviors must be present for at least six months before a physician will consider them to be displaying the classic symptoms. The doctor will look at the child's academic performance, how well he or she communicates, socialization, and any behavior problems.
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When you choose an ADHD doctor, you want to make sure that whoever you choose is someone who knows how to properly identify and treat this condition. It can be a tricky proposition to choose the right person. That is why there are a few guidelines you should follow when choosing one. Of course, your child's personality and history are extremely important things, but here are some other things to think about:
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Most doctors choose one based on whether or not they are board-certified. Board certification means that the practitioner has met all standards set by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It is also a plus if the person has had experience treating children with ADHD. Children with the disorder often need therapy in order to improve.
What are the ADHD Specialty Requirements?
Then there is the specialty requirement. If your child needs medication in order to deal with his or her behavioral problems, the specialist you choose must have had
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Success treating ADHD in the past – Specialists in this field have completed extensive schooling and must be board certified in ADHD in order to practice in a state that does not require licensing.
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ADHD specialists have received special training – While there are no national standards, a few states do require that.
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The Number of Patients the Doctor has Seen – It is also important to check to see how many patients the doctor has seen. Many specialists begin treating children with ADHD by prescribing stimulant drugs.
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Forms of Treatment the Doctor has Used With Success – They have found that children respond well when given these drugs. However, these medications can carry serious side effects and they may not be appropriate for every child. For this reason, you should ask to see which other forms of treatment the doctor has used with success.
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The specialist has done Enough Research on ADHD – You may also want to make sure that the specialist has done enough research on ADHD. If the doctor has not done enough, you should not choose him or her. Ask to see his or her portfolio of patients. If the specialist has a long list of satisfied clients but does not have any children with ADHD, that is a warning sign. You should choose another practitioner.
What is the Next Step After Choosing a Specialist?
Some doctors choose to focus on alternative treatments for ADHD. For example, neurofeedback may help your child focus better.
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In some cases, children with ADHD have had success using acupuncture. Your child's ADHD may be caused by something more than just poor parenting. In such cases, alternative treatments might provide a real solution.
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Once you have found a potential ADHD doctor, the final task is to set up a meeting. In most cases, you will be referred to someone who can monitor your child's progress.
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The ADHD specialist will meet with your child and discuss how he or she will be treated. Each case will be different, but there are some steps that all ADHD patients will likely take. For example, if your child is unresponsive to stimulant drugs, the doctor may decide to try dietary changes. He or she can also explore methods of behavior modification.
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Even though the doctor will probably try several treatments before settling on one, chances are good that your child will be satisfied with the results.
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You will want to pay close attention to how your child is feeling. If the symptoms get worse, even when the treatment is working, your child may need to be evaluated again. Be sure to remember that your child's ADHD does not magically disappear after a short trial of some new treatment.
Conclusions
The best way to find an ADHD doctor is through a referral from your child's pediatrician. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she should know which doctors are experienced in dealing with children who have the disorder. You should not feel pressured to choose a specialist right away. Instead, you should find a doctor who seems capable of helping your child.
If you would like some further guidance and support on managing your ADHD, then you should contact your local experienced ADHD specialist for an in-depth ADHD Online Assessment to improve your understanding of the disorder and to know what treatment method is fit for you or them.
