How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they have ADHD You should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare provider can be covered by insurance, making it affordable than having to pay out-of-pocket.
This free tool cannot provide an assessment or diagnosis. Only a medical doctor or a mental health professional is able to assess and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms interfere with a person's life, their work, or their relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone will have the same symptoms. Symptoms may be masked due to stress or diet for instance. It is crucial that a certified healthcare professional performs an assessment in order to accurately diagnose and determine the most effective treatment.
A professional will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you are experiencing on a daily basis.
Can easily be distracted by other stimuli (e.g. television, a conversation with a friend, the sounds of traffic outside the window).
Do not complete assignments or tasks at school or at work (e.g. you forget to hand in the report, misplaces work supplies, or doesn't follow up with supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting for their turn in a game or conversation. Frequently blurts out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is reluctant to take on tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork or homework for teenagers and adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).
Has difficulty keeping track of the time or comprehending complex schedules or changes in them.
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first degree relative.
It is common for those with ADHD to have other health issues or disorders such as sleep and mood problems, that produce similar symptoms. A health professional will look over the person's mental and physical health history, including mood and will ask about any past and current medications. They also will look at the patient's present or, if they are an adult, childhood behavior and school experiences. Health care providers can often get this information with the consent of the patient by talking to colleagues and friends, and by reviewing early school report cards or other academic records. Health care professionals will be able to determine whether the patient is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health strategies" to help treat ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to losing your keys, struggle to keep up in school or at work, or have trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by your friends or family that you have ADHD. These kinds of comments are easy to laugh off for a few times, but if you feel that your apathy and lack of organization are escalating, it's a good idea to consult a mental health professional about. This isn't a diagnostic tool, but it's a great opportunity to begin a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are disrupting your life.
While self-assessment tools are useful in determining whether your child or you might have symptoms that indicate ADHD, the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is through a consultation and evaluation with a specialist in the field. They will evaluate your child's or your own symptoms and ask you questions about your life as well as your family history, your medical and psychiatric background. They will also utilize rating scales and checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also perform an examination of your body to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your provider will examine the American Association for Psychiatric Research's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms must be evident in at least two environments, such as school and at home, or in social settings. They also must significantly affect your daily functioning. They have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and not be explained by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
For older teens or adults the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. They must consistently demonstrate just five of the seven attention-deficit or impulsive signs to be diagnosed with ADHD. It's crucial that your physician knows your personal history when determining the diagnosis and before deciding on the best treatment strategy.
It's important that your provider is experienced and trained. working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many people who have symptoms of ADHD work with an accredited professional counselor or therapist. Find out about their training and experience before you schedule an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD do not seek treatment due to the negative stigma associated with the condition. However, research has confirmed that adults with ADHD exists and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, including therapy and lifestyle modifications. They also recommend educational support. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of a person's life are addressed and will allow them to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Talk therapy with an individual is an essential part of the healing process. The use of talk therapy is to aid people with stress, improve their relationships, and develop coping strategies. It can also assist people understand and control their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage money and time more efficiently. These treatments can be provided in person or through an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a great method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During sessions where a therapist teaches families how to set clear expectations and offer rewards for good behavior. They can also show parents to eliminate distractions and make their child's work space more comfortable, so that they can concentrate on their work or assignments.
In therapy, you can teach self-management skills such as time management and organizational skills, as well as self-care strategies like eating a healthy diet and exercising. These techniques can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Some people with ADHD can be treated effectively by taking medication. The drugs work by reducing activity in specific areas of the brain that regulate impulse control. This allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, quitiapine, and bupropion. Melatonin is also sold as an over-the-counter oral medication.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment, there are a few new therapies that are being tested to treat ADHD. One study showed that a small device known as Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It operates by sending gentle electrical pulses to the trigeminal system, which transmits sensations from the face and head to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief but it can also bring up many questions. It's normal for adults to want more information on how their symptoms affect them and what they are able to manage. There are numerous resources for free available.
Adults with ADHD and their families can seek out support groups to help navigate the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many of these groups assist people connect with others who can relate, offer guidance, or offer emotional support. A lot of these groups concentrate on specific subjects, such as problems with parenting and work.
Online resources can also be a useful resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools are a great way to determine if their symptoms are caused by ADHD. They typically consist of a questionnaire with items that are commonly experienced by adults with ADHD. They are not a substitute for the need for a professional assessment.
In getting an assessment for adhd to a wide array of online resources, there are numerous local and national support groups for those suffering from ADHD. They are usually run by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD. They offer a safe space to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children with ADHD can also receive plenty of assistance and guidance from their doctors. They can also be trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can teach to their children. Parents typically attend sessions of 8-16 with a therapist, and practice these techniques in between sessions.
If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, begin by contacting your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able suggest a specific group or refer you to one. Make sure you attend some of the meetings to make sure that the tone of the group is appropriate for you. Be careful not to disclose too much personal information. In addition, be aware that many forums and online support groups allow anyone to share advice. This advice may not be controlled by medical practices and is not regulated.