How Can Working With An ADHD Specialist Reduce ADHD Symptoms
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and type of neurodivergence that impacts the way a person’s brain processes sensory information. Children, teens, and adults with ADHD may experience symptoms that can impact their daily lives, including inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
While ADHD is a chronic disorder that cannot be cured, it may be managed with lifestyle changes, accommodation, and professional support. ADHD treatment incorporates different strategies for different people. For example, a therapist may recommend that college students focus on getting adequate sleep and exercise, while their recommendation for an adult may center on workplace mindfulness.
When considering treatment, it may be helpful to speak with an ADHD specialist. A specialist is trained in supporting individuals with ADHD and may be able to offer advice, guidance, and interventions.
What is an ADHD specialist?
Treating ADHD may involve a multifaceted approach that includes working with a mental health professional, making lifestyle and environmental changes, and incorporating different coping strategies. One way people may find support for ADHD symptoms is by speaking to an ADHD specialist.
An ADHD specialist is a healthcare professional with expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD. Depending on their background and expertise, mental health professionals may offer different treatment services. Some common ADHD specialists may include the following.
Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Unlike other mental health professionals, psychiatrists have gone through medical school and may prescribe medication. A psychiatrist may be beneficial for individuals with ADHD because a psychiatrist can use both medication and therapy approaches without needing an extra referral.
Psychologists
Psychologists are professionals who study behavior and mind processes, including ADHD. They may provide therapy and psychological testing for individuals showing ADHD symptoms.
Therapists
A therapist is a mental health professional who can provide therapy and counseling for individuals with ADHD to help them develop coping strategies and improve their functioning. A therapist may use a holistic approach to managing ADHD and may consider environmental, personal health, and lifestyle factors when developing a treatment plan.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in children's health, sometimes including ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Statistically, children are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than adults, so pediatricians may be well-versed in recognizing symptoms of ADHD and offering referrals for families.
If you are experiencing ADHD symptoms but are unsure how to find an ADHD specialist, it may be beneficial to ask your primary care doctor for a recommendation or find an online mental health professional.
Neurologists
Neurologists are medical doctors specializing in studying and treating disorders of the nervous system, including ADHD. They can provide medication management and neurological assessments for ADHD.
ADHD coaches
Coaches who specialize in working with individuals with ADHD help them set goals, develop strategies, and improve their executive functioning skills.
Benefits of working with an ADHD specialist
An ADHD specialist can provide clients with individualized treatment plans tailored to their needs. As an expert working with people with ADHD, a specialist may have access to a broader variety of evidence-based treatments, including medication, therapy, and other behavioral interventions. In some cases, an ADHD specialist may focus on only child or adult ADHD, which can help them customize treatment plans further.
An ADHD specialist may also provide additional support for individuals with ADHD and their family members outside of traditional therapy and medication. A specialist may be connected with outside social workers or counselors who can provide additional support, such as career coaching, help finding a therapist or psychiatrist, or support for parenting a child with ADHD.
A mental health professional, such as an ADHD specialist, may offer long-term care. They can do frequent check-ins to see which strategies are working and which are not. If you are working with a psychiatrist, they may also adjust your medication as needed. An ADHD specialist may pull information and use treatments from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), an internationally recognized authority on the classification and treatment of mental health disorders.
Techniques and strategies used by ADHD specialists
The techniques and strategies that a mental health professional may use to manage or treat ADHD symptoms can be highly varied depending on the individual. In some cases, an ADHD specialist may advocate for an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates therapy, medication, and other techniques to help clients manage ADHD symptoms.
One potential benefit of working with an ADHD specialist is that they can modify your treatment to meet your needs. Below are a few treatment options that might be considered.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness strategies are techniques a person can use to center their mind and adjust their focus. These techniques include meditation, yoga, journaling, and deep breathing techniques. Research studies show that mindfulness meditation may be effective at reducing the symptoms of ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be used in the moment to regain focus, or they can be used preventatively.
An ADHD specialist may have many different techniques and strategies for you to try. They can work with you over time to develop a plan for managing ADHD symptoms as they occur and prevent symptoms daily. As you become more adept at using strategies, a therapist may continue adding more skills for you.
Some people with ADHD may find traditional meditation or mindfulness difficult, as it often requires significant focus. Adapting these strategies to your unique symptoms may be helpful in these cases. For example, instead of journaling by writing, you might make video or audio diaries on your phone or journal using drawings, collages, stickers, or other art forms. You can also try guided meditations specifically designed for people with ADHD.
Lifestyle and environmental modifications
A therapist or ADHD specialist may also make lifestyle or environmental change recommendations for people living with ADHD. For example, they might recommend working with a dietician to ensure clients are making time to eat nutritious meals during the day. It could also mean recommending daily exercise, which has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms. An ADHD specialist may also provide recommendations for improving sleep hygiene, as getting a whole night’s sleep may also reduce ADHD symptoms.
A therapist may also recommend environmental modifications in addition to lifestyle modifications. Working in a clutter-free environment can help clients reduce and manage ADHD symptoms and improve focus. Because people with ADHD can struggle with organization, a therapist might offer accommodation tips, such as putting clean clothes in bins instead of folding them. By accommodating one’s unique brain, it may be easier to remain organized in a way that isn’t overwhelming.
Medication
In some cases, ADHD may be managed through prescription medication. A doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medication to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. If your mental health care provider prescribes medication, they may also work with you in areas like mindfulness and psychotherapy.
When taking prescription medication, follow your doctor’s recommended dosage. In addition, communicate with your doctor and be clear about how you feel so they can gauge the medication’s efficacy.
Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
For individuals with ADHD, a therapist may provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a way to manage symptoms. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that involves reframing thoughts to manage emotions and behaviors. Research has demonstrated that CBT can be an effective method of managing ADHD symptoms.
During a CBT session, a therapist may ask clients to describe a time when ADHD symptoms were present and ask them to think about how they reacted in real time. They then may discuss strategies for the next time they experience these symptoms or are put in a difficult situation.
How to find an ADHD specialist
Finding the right specialist for you can be complicated for those with busy schedules or a lack of cost-effective options in their area. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial.
For individuals with ADHD, an in-person therapy session may be challenging, as difficulty focusing can lead to missed appointments. Online therapy can be delivered anywhere, including from a home office or bedroom. With online therapy, you may also have more flexibility when choosing an ADHD specialist because you are not limited to a physical location.
Studies show online therapy can be as effective as in-person modalities. In a 2022 meta-analysis of six studies, researchers found that online interventions improved attention and social functioning in patients with ADHD.
Takeaway
Managing ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness can be challenging. Working with an ADHD specialist, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor, may help clients manage symptoms and live healthy lives as neurodivergent individuals. Depending on each client's needs, support can be found online or in person.
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