[liz0320]

I am looking to find a therapist soon, but I'm having trouble actually figuring out what type of therapist to go to. Just a little background, I've had social anxiety and other anxiety issues for as long as I can remember, and I was diagnosed with that a few years ago. But I also have had emotional problems for a long time probably due to my childhood and the fact that I'm very emotionally sensitive, and I've recently come to realize that a lot of my attention problems may be caused by ADHD or something similar and not just my anxiety or being lazy. My brother was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, which furthers my suspicion.

I don't know whether I should go to an ADHD specialist or whether I should just find a therapist that seems to have experience with a lot of mental illnesses, who may refer me for further testing. I don't know whether I should focus on one problem in my life at a time, or whether the problems are related and stem from one source. Any advice is appreciated. I just feel confused. Thanks.

[Sunflower123]

Sometimes a therapist will put in their description what they treat. I encourage you to find a therapist who treats all your issues as some may crossover. Just ask the therapist if they treat those things. Good luck.

[liz0320]

Thank you, Jennifer. I will see if I can find a therapist that specializes in the certain issues I've been having.

[kecanoe]

ADHD specialists tend to focus on coaching you to be more organized, more focused things like that. Good info to have, but they might not have the skills to help you with the anxiety. It sounds like the anxiety is bothering you more; I think I would look for someone with experience treating that and then see if they could either also help with the ADHD or recommend someone who could after you deal with the anxiety/childhood stuff.

[liz0320]

Originally Posted by kecanoe

ADHD specialists tend to focus on coaching you to be more organized, more focused things like that. Good info to have, but they might not have the skills to help you with the anxiety. It sounds like the anxiety is bothering you more; I think I would look for someone with experience treating that and then see if they could either also help with the ADHD or recommend someone who could after you deal with the anxiety/childhood stuff.

I found a psychologist that specializes in both anxiety and ADHD, with experience doing ADHD and psychological assessments as well as CBT and other forms of therapy for anxiety. I will be making an appointment with them, and then we might be able to focus on what issues I need to target first. I'm hoping it will work out! Thanks for the advice.