Apr 22
My 5-year-old child has been diagnosed with ADHD. He has been seeing a psychologist, and his pediatrician has been trying to manage the ADHD with medication. I would like to get a second opinion on the treatment plan from a specialist, but I don’t know what type of specialist I should be looking for. Psychiatrist? Pediatric Neurologist? Other? What type of specialist is best suited to treat ADHD?
Thanks!
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:21 am
I would recommend a toxicologist. Your child may be loaded up with toxins including things like lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, aluminum, and antimony. Even small amounts of these will affect the nervous system. Lest you think you have no exposure to these things, think again. A toxicologist will inform you of some of the common sources for these toxins and more.
You can find a certified toxicologist near you through ACAM’s website.
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:21 am
Start with your GP. Some ADHD is diet related and some is neurological. Try and find out the best recommended course of treatment from the existing diagnosis. (Dietary triggers – Avoid coca cola – caffeine – yellow food colouring and other stimulants such as high sugar foods).
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:21 am
If you’re in the area of a university or teaching hospital, you may want to check there to see what they might offer for services. Also, if you really trust your pediatrician and have a good relationship with him/her, ask for any suggestions on where you might go for a second opinion. I co-parented an adolescent (now 21) with ADD and some other issues, and it’s not easy to find the right fit. It may take some trial and error to find the best person for your child – someone both you and your child trust. It’s also important to make sure that you and your child’s school are on the same page as far as behavior goes – that they understand the issues as well as you do and that you both are consistent with rewards and consequences. You probably already know this, but I would highly recommend a regular schedule for your child, including bed time, waking up, homework, meals, etc. It makes a huge difference. Oh, also be mindful of the effects of the particular type of medication since it can make that scheduling even more important (does it wear off at the end of the day and is there a rebound, is your child’s appetite supressed with the meds, etc.). I’ve used the site below as a reference before. It has links with information as well as ways to search for physicians. I’m sorry there’s not short answer for who/what kind of doctor you should look for – it just depends on the relationship and specialty: pehaps a psychologist who specializes in behavioral therapy, etc. It might also take a team to get the best results. Good luck!!
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:21 am
A pediatric psychiatrist. My son has the same issues. I tried going without medicating him for years, but he got so that he could not sit still, could not focus and could not sleep. He has seen alot of improvement since getting the proper help. Your pediatrician is not qualified to treat this disorder. It requires a specialist. I must add that I love the ignorant comments of some people that assume bad parenting causes true psychological disorders. Can’t wait for karma to bite them in the butt.