Hello, birdcrazy. It seems to me many seek treatment for mental illness without being given an idea of what role they play in the process or what to expect from the professionals who are treating them. Sometimes, I ask a member what the plan is. I am referring to a treatment plan: the guidelines for action, designed by the treatment team for each individual patient.

As NAMI informs us:

In addition to medication treatment, psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, peer support groups and other community services can also be components of a treatment plan *** that assist with recovery. The availability of transportation, diet, exercise, sleep, friends and meaningful paid or volunteer activities contribute to overall health and wellness, including mental illness recovery.

You ask whether you would benefit from seeing a psychiatrist who specializes in diagnosing childhood disorders to help you understand how your past affects the way you are now. Gaining insight is an important step. To help you have a more meaningful life, however, requires that the insight you gain be incorporated into the treatment plan.

DocJohn discusses psychotherapy here: http://psychcentral.com/psychotherapy/

I found this article informative: http://www.psychologytoday.com/print/47260

I wish you well.