How do you find the right doctor to treat ADHD?

Answer 1

Opinion

My advice would be to find other people with ADD in the area who are being treated, and find out who their doctor is and how well the treatment is working. You should be able to find someone pretty quickly that way. I had great effects from taking my kids to Sensory Integration therapy (an additional certification for Occupational Therapy), which gave them the skills they needed to cope. Also, I did maintain a structured lifestyle with homecooked meals, exercise and a set bedtime. They both have graduated from college and are doing well. There is a robust, valid test given by the therapist for the disorder (they don't label it ADD) and specific therapies are set up to resolve the issue. My kids went from being wired to being calm

and confident.

Opinion

I'm glad you asked how to find the right doctor because the best place to start is with a qualified mental health professional. Just because a GP has the ability to prescribe meds doesn't mean he knows how to assess ADD and administer proper doses. If you must get advice from a GP I would certainly get a second opinion.

Stimulants are sometimes used to treat ADD and firm discipline is almost always counterproductive. If a child is put on ADD meds, he should be monitored to see how they are affecting him. That includes asking him how the meds make him feel.

You should try an Internet search in your area for ADHD specialists. You may find some interesting prospects by reading the reviews. Also, you can contact the school psychologist to ask if they could provide a list. You should also ask your child's pediatrician for a list of referrals. We are fortunate at this point in time to be able to check out medical professionals online.

Opinion

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder- chadd.org) is a national support group that has chapters in most all metropolitan areas. You should seek out your local chapter, attend a meeting and ask for advice from the membership. They will know which doctors and other professionals to avoid and which ones who have a history of meaningful help.

Answer 2

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder- chadd.org) is a national support group that has chapters in most all metropolitan areas. You should seek out your local chapter, attend a meeting and ask for advice from the membership. They will know which doctors and other professionals to avoid and which ones who have a history of meaningful help. You can also obtain helpful information at its website.