How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they might have ADHD You should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. Insurance could cover a thorough evaluation by a certified healthcare professional and is therefore less expensive than paying for it out of your pocket.
This tool is free and does not provide a diagnosis. Only a medical professional or a mental health professional is able to evaluate and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD must have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, life, and relationships. It is important to remember that not all people will experience the same symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised due to stress or diet for instance. Therefore, it is essential that a trained health care provider completes an exhaustive assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment options.
A professional will employ a series of questions to determine the severity of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter regularly for example:
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g., television, a conversation with a friend, or the sound of traffic outside the window).
Does not follow through on assignments or tasks at school or in work (e.g. you forget to turn in the report, misplaces work supplies, or doesn't follow up with supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting for their turn in conversations or games. Answers questions before they're fully asked. Most often, he avoids, or dislikes or is unwilling to do tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork or homework for older teens and adults, writing reports or documents, or reviewing papers).
Often has trouble keeping the track of time or making sense of the changing or complex schedules (e.g. often fails to make appointments or falls behind on household or work obligations).
The person is a family member who was diagnosed with ADHD.
It is common for those with ADHD to suffer from other health issues or disorders like sleep and mood issues, which produce similar symptoms. A health professional can review the person's past physical and mental health including mood. They may also ask about current and past medications. They may also look at the person's early years or, if an adult, current behavior. Health care providers can often collect this information with the patient's consent by speaking to friends and coworkers, and by reviewing early school report cards or other educational records. Health professionals also look to see if the person is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health treatments" to help treat ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to losing your keys, have trouble keeping up in school or at work, or have trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by friends or family members that you suffer from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments every now and then. If your lack of attention and apathy are getting out of hand it could be the time to talk to an expert in mental health. This is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start a discussion about seeking help for issues that can disrupt your life.
Self-assessment is an excellent method to determine if you or your child may have symptoms that indicate ADHD. However, a specialist is able to diagnose the condition following an appointment. They will evaluate your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your lifestyle, your family history, your medical and psychiatric background. They will also use checklists or rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.
Your physician will employ the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. To qualify as having ADHD your symptoms must be evident in more than one setting like school and home or social settings and have a significant impact on your or your child's daily functioning. adhd assessments must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
The criteria for adults and older teens is slightly different. They must demonstrate consistently five of the seven inattentive and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. It's crucial that your physician is aware of your past when determining the diagnosis and when deciding on the best treatment strategy.
It's important that your provider is certified and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD choose to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. It's beneficial to inquire about their education and experience prior to making an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek treatment due to a stigma that is associated with the condition. The results of scientific research have confirmed that adult ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms could negatively affect quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle modifications and support for education. This holistic approach guarantees that all aspects of a person's life will be addressed and will allow them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Talk therapy with an individual is an essential part of the healing process. Talk therapy can help patients manage stress, improve relationships, and build coping skills. It can help people understand and manage impulsive behavior and learn to manage their time and finances better. These therapies can be delivered in person or through an online counseling program such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be used to teach parents and other family members how to manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In sessions, therapists will instruct parents and family members how to establish expectations and reward positive behavior. They can help parents remove distractions from their child's workspace and make it more comfortable for them to concentrate on their work or assignments.
In therapy, you could teach self-management skills, such as time management and organizational skills, as well as self-care techniques such eating healthy and exercising. These tools are particularly useful for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.
Medication is an effective treatment for some people with ADHD. Medications work by decreasing the activity in specific regions of the brain that control impulse control, which allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of different medications that can be prescribed for ADHD which include stimulants such as Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and melatonin. It is available over-the-counter as an oral supplement.
There are also treatment options that are experimental for ADHD in addition to pharmacological treatment. One study revealed that a tiny electrical device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve which carries sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD may come as a relief, it can also open up a whole new set of questions. It's natural for adults to want more information about how their symptoms impact them and what they can manage. There are numerous resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD, and their families, can seek support from support groups to help them overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. A lot of these groups are designed to help people connect with other people who can relate to their experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional assistance. Additionally, many of these groups are specifically focused on specific topics like problems at work, parenting issues and the unique challenges that women with ADHD have to face.
Online resources can also be a useful source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment is a way to determine if their issues are caused by ADHD. They typically include the questionnaire, which includes items that are typical of people with ADHD. They are not a substitute for the need for a professional assessment.
There are a variety of local and national support groups for people with ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are usually led by mental healthcare specialists who specialize in ADHD. They can provide a safe environment to discuss issues, symptoms and solutions.
Parents of children with ADHD can also get a great deal of help and support from their doctor. They can also receive training in the use of behavioral strategies they can impart to their children. Parents typically go to 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and then practice these strategies between sessions.
Contact your mental health professional or healthcare provider if you are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They may be able recommend a group or recommend a particular one. Make sure you attend a few meetings to ensure that the group's tone is appropriate for you. Be wary of sharing excessive personal information. Be aware that anyone can post advice on many forums and online support group. This information is not subject to medical practice regulations and is not subject to regulation.