What kind of doctor/professional should I see to prescribe/oversee medication for a child with ADHD?

[Anonymous]

Sorry if this sounds dumb, but now that I have a diagnose and pediatrician (gp) prescribed Focalin, moving forward I would prefer an specialist for this.

Is it psychiatrist? Psychologist? Something else altogether? Neuro something?

[Anonymous]

Psychiatrist for meds, psychologist for therapy.

Don't expect to find one that takes insurance.

[Anonymous]

Definitely a psychiatrist

[Anonymous]

Child neurologist can do this

[Anonymous]

A developmental ped can also do it, but they're as rare as psychiatrists who take insurance!

[Anonymous]

Op again. Any psychiatrist (as long as experienced with children and ADHD cases I mean) or does it need to be a pediatric psychiatrist?

I really don’t want to screw this up because I am wary of medication that affects children’s brain, even though I know there is extent research on these medications, only losing to aspirin.

[Anonymous]

Psychiatrist, unless the kid has another neurological issue (e.g. a seizure disorder) then I'd see a neurologist, or if they're under 5, I'd see a developmental pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Any psychiatrist (as long as experienced with children and ADHD cases I mean) or does it need to be a pediatric psychiatrist?

I really don’t want to screw this up because I am wary of medication that affects children’s brain, even though I know there is extent research on these medications, only losing to aspirin.

It should be a child psychiatrist unless your child is 16+ in which case an adult psychiatrist may be ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Any psychiatrist (as long as experienced with children and ADHD cases I mean) or does it need to be a pediatric psychiatrist?

I really don’t want to screw this up because I am wary of medication that affects children’s brain, even though I know there is extent research on these medications, only losing to aspirin.

We’re on psychiatrist number 4 (in 10 years) for ADHD medicine management. Don’t hold yourself to an impossible standard that the first one must be the best one. Few people find a “forever psychiatrist.” Yes, look for psychiatrists that specialize in children and adolescents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Any psychiatrist (as long as experienced with children and ADHD cases I mean) or does it need to be a pediatric psychiatrist?

I really don’t want to screw this up because I am wary of medication that affects children’s brain, even though I know there is extent research on these medications, only losing to aspirin.

I think only child psychiatrists are going to have experience with children. You can't use an adult psychiatrist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op again. Any psychiatrist (as long as experienced with children and ADHD cases I mean) or does it need to be a pediatric psychiatrist?

I really don’t want to screw this up because I am wary of medication that affects children’s brain, even though I know there is extent research on these medications, only losing to aspirin.

You should see a psychiatrist who is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Based on your concern, I can recommend Dr Alan Zametkin at drzametkin.com who specializes in ADHD and used to do ADHD brain research at NIMH.

[Anonymous]

What’s up with so few child psychiatrists accepting insurance?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What’s up with so few child psychiatrists accepting insurance?

High demand and low reimbursement rates means they can make much more money without insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What’s up with so few child psychiatrists accepting insurance?

Insurance reimbursement for is a joke. Can’t blame them for not taking it.

[Anonymous]

DC has always seen a Pediatric neurologist.