I got this ADHD Survey
I got a university ADHD Survey in the mail. and;
The survey was in relation to my experience with ADHD treatment provided by psychologists for my child.
Now I was confused?
a) How did they know I had a child with ADHD?
b) Why did they think I used a psychologist for ADHD treatment?
In my experience I get a referral from a GP to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who prescribes medication and develops a mental health plan?
Do psychologists provide "treatment" for ADHD? my first impression would be no.
That's a bit suspicious. Normally, medical information is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality (the idea that your medical information is personal and should only be shared between yourself and medical practitioners, unless you give explicit permission otherwise.) Of course, sometimes it's medically necessary to share such information, such as with the school your child goes to so that they can get the support they need there. But still, you should be required to sign a consent form for treatment, which may include a line about authorizing your Dr to give information to such-and-such entities. (My Dr has a form like that. I never sign anything without reading it, so I'm well aware and truly do consent.)
However, If you haven't signed such a thing, I can't imagine why they would have been able to share that information without your consent. Perhaps you should call your child's school, or the makers of this survey, and ask them about it.
However, If you haven't signed such a thing, I can't imagine why they would have been able to share that information without your consent. Perhaps you should call your child's school, or the makers of this survey, and ask them about it.
I think this stems from my joining an Australian based website where I gave my name and address to be on a mailing list for ADHD news/information. Quite clearly the university/researcher/student has access to the database for their mailing list.
However my question remains, why do they think we parents use psychological services for "treating" ADHD?
While medication, requiring a psychiatrist or other medical practitioner, is the obvious source of treatment for ADHD, you could also get help from a psychologist.
A psychiatrist will prescribe medication that changes the underlying brain chemistry aggravating the ADHD (eg dopamine) . However, medication will not change differences in brain wiring nor necessarily repair a lifetime of bad habits. A person with ADHD, therefore, might still have some symptoms despite medication and might benefit from help with behavioural and emotional issues: e.g. learning how to manage their time and how to handle social interaction and how to deal with anxiety or depression. This is where a psychologist could help.
I am seeing a psychologist in relation to my Asperger's syndrome and, in particular, my sensory issues. I also have some problems with managing tasks - a bit like people with ADHD. The psychologist is teaching me skills for managing my emotions, and that is helping with both the sensory and task management issues.
PS: I am in Australia too, so I know what a Mental Health Plan is. My GP referred me to the psychologist, who specialises in ASD and, incidentally, also ADHD. Currently I can have 10 sessions a year under Medicare. I usually see him once a month and sort of have "homework" to do between each session. So it is a bit like personal coaching. I really like it - I am glad I got a diagnosis and began seeing a psychologist.
A psychiatrist will prescribe medication that changes the underlying brain chemistry aggravating the ADHD (eg dopamine) . However, medication will not change differences in brain wiring nor necessarily repair a lifetime of bad habits. A person with ADHD, therefore, might still have some symptoms despite medication and might benefit from help with behavioural and emotional issues: e.g. learning how to manage their time and how to handle social interaction and how to deal with anxiety or depression. This is where a psychologist could help.
I am seeing a psychologist in relation to my Asperger's syndrome and, in particular, my sensory issues. I also have some problems with managing tasks - a bit like people with ADHD. The psychologist is teaching me skills for managing my emotions, and that is helping with both the sensory and task management issues.
PS: I am in Australia too, so I know what a Mental Health Plan is. My GP referred me to the psychologist, who specialises in ASD and, incidentally, also ADHD. Currently I can have 10 sessions a year under Medicare. I usually see him once a month and sort of have "homework" to do between each session. So it is a bit like personal coaching. I really like it - I am glad I got a diagnosis and began seeing a psychologist.
Thanks, that makes sense to me. I guess everyone has a different experience.
I've seen two psychologists in Melbourne and neither offered any treatment options for my daughter other than doing the diagnosis/assessment (which I could have done myself as it was just a survey form). In contrast my daughter's GP and pediatrician have been more helpful in planning, treatment and monitoring with long term milestones and of course the mental health plan.
I was very deliberate in my choice of psychologist, basically picking him because he was recommended by a leading Australian expert on Asperger's. I didn't want to waste my time with a useless or unsympathetic person. I emailed the psychologist and stated what I was wanting and asked if he could do that.
I can imagine that many psychologists would be a waste of time in a specific area like ADHD or Asperger's.
I can imagine that many psychologists would be a waste of time in a specific area like ADHD or Asperger's.
If you take away ABA (which my wife and I are now qualified in) then child psychologists actually have nothing to offer in terms of therapy/treatment for autistic kids. If the child is older and fairly verbal then maybe they could offer counselling or CBT but I know a few parents who have ADHD kids and medication works better than listening to a psychologist for $200/hr.
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