Tips for Finding an ADHD Doctor
By Dawn M. Olsen
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One of the most frustrating aspects of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is finding a qualified ADHD doctor. Sure, you can be diagnosed and find a doctor to prescribe medication but this mental illness needs a better hands-on approach. A good ADHD doctor will be able to guide you to the right medication, the right therapy, and be there when you have questions or problems. Unfortunately, ADHD is not an illness that can be fixed overnight. It takes time and consistency but by working diligently with a good doctor, the individual with ADHD can live a normal life.
The problem first is that even though ADHD is a commonly known illness, something much different from 10 years ago, some people still find getting a right diagnosis difficult. Then when a diagnosis is made, it is not a matter of simply writing a prescription and sending the patient on his or her way. Instead, the person with ADHD needs understanding and lots of support. In fact, it is common for someone with ADHD to try a number of medications before finding the one that helps without causing unwanted side effects so you want an ADHD doctor that will work with you.
A good ADHD doctor will be available to talk to you and willing to find medication that works best, even if it means making several changes along the way. In this article, we will provide you with some valuable tips for finding an ADHD doctor to make the process easier and less stressful. After all, this is a stressful time already so the last thing you want is to spend time spinning your wheels in the wrong direction. Remember that ADHD comes with a long list of symptoms and it affects different people differently. Therefore, a canned response or standard treatment is not the solution.
Start by conducting research to locate doctors in your area that specialize in ADHD. To do this, you can talk to your primary doctor for recommendations and then look in the phone book or on the internet. Next, place phone calls to several doctors, asking specific questions about their knowledge of ADHD to include how long they have been treating ADHD patients and their type of approach. Once you find one or two that, you feel comfortable with, schedule a consultation, which in most cases will be free or with a minimal charge. Then, you want to conduct research to make sure the doctors are certified and that they have no issues that are unresolved. You can do this by logging onto the Better Business Bureau’s website (www.bbb.org) and see everything you need to know.
Once you go to the consultation with the ADHD doctor, if you do not like what you see or hear, you can move on to the next doctor. Take this time to ask questions. Go prepared with a list of questions important to you and then make sure you get the answers that make you feel confident in the doctor’s ability and involvement with ADHD patients. While choosing a doctor can be intimidating and possibly a little frustrating, remember there are some very good, qualified ADHD doctors eager and willing to make a difference in people’s lives.
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