How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It's crucial to seek professional assessment and diagnosis. Insurance may cover a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, making it cheaper than paying for it out of your pocket.
This free tool does NOT provide a diagnosis. Only a physician or mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD are likely to have symptoms that interfere with their work, life and relationships. However, it is important to note that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised by stress or diet, for example. It is important that a qualified healthcare professional completes an assessment to accurately determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience on a regular basis like:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television or an exchange with a friend or the sound of the outside window).
Do not complete assignments or tasks at school or at work (e.g. you forget to turn in an assignment, loses work supplies, or doesn't follow up with supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting to be the next in a game or conversation. Frequently blurts out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, is averse to or is not willing to do tasks that require a lot of mental effort (e.g. homework or schoolwork for teenagers and adults, writing documents or reports, reviewing papers).
Are having difficulty keeping track of the time or comprehending complicated or changing schedules.
The person is a family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD.
It is common for people with ADHD to suffer from other disorders or health conditions such as sleep and mood issues, which can produce similar symptoms. A health professional will examine the patient's mental and physical health history, including mood, and may ask about past and current medications. They also will look into the person's childhood or, if an adult, current behavior. The health care provider may obtain this information by asking friends and coworkers for their opinion, or by reviewing early school documents and other records of education. In addition, health care experts will determine if the person uses psychostimulants or other "complementary" health treatments to help with their ADHD. These approaches have not been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You may be told you're suffering from ADHD If you're prone to losing your keys, have difficulties keeping up with school or work, or forget appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks every now and then. But if your forgetfulness and lack of organization seem to be getting out of hand, it may be an appropriate time to seek out an expert in mental health. This isn't an instrument for diagnosing, but a great place to start a conversation about seeking help for symptoms that can disrupt your daily routine.
Self-assessment is an excellent tool to determine whether you or your child may have signs that indicate ADHD. However the specialist can only diagnose the condition following a consultation. They will assess your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your life and family history, medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They may also conduct physical examinations to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms have to manifest in at least two different settings such as school and home or social settings, and significantly interfere with your child's or your own functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
The criteria for older teens and adults is a bit different. To be diagnosed with ADHD, they must consistently show five out of seven symptoms of impulsivity or inattention. It's crucial that your physician knows your personal history when making a diagnosis and choosing the most appropriate treatment strategy.
It's important that your provider is certified and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD choose to work with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. Find out about their experience and education before you schedule an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD do not seek treatment due to the stigma that surrounds the condition. The results of scientific research have confirmed that adult ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms could adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies including therapy, lifestyle modifications and support for education. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life will be addressed, allowing him or her to more effectively navigate the difficulties of ADHD.
assessment adhd is an important part of the treatment process. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships and improve their the ability to cope. It can also help people to understand and control their impulsive behavior as well as learn to manage time and money more effectively. These therapies can be delivered either in person or via an online counseling program such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a fantastic method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During therapy sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to establish expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also teach parents how to remove distractions and make their child's work space more comfortable, so that they can focus on homework or tasks.
In therapy, you could teach self-management skills such as time management and organizational skills and self-care strategies like eating a healthy diet and exercising. These techniques can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD who have difficulty at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated by taking medication. The drugs work by reducing activity in certain areas of the brain that control impulse control. This helps people focus and concentrate. There are many different treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, quetiapine, and bupropion. Melatonin is also available as an over-the counter oral supplement.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment there are also alternative therapies to manage ADHD. One study found that a small 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 nervous system, which transmits the sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
While a diagnosis of ADHD may come as an elation, it could also open up a whole new set of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more details about how their symptoms impact them and what they can do to manage. There are a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD and their families can seek out support groups for assistance in navigating the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect to others who can help, provide advice, or provide emotional assistance. A majority of these groups focus on specific topics like workplace issues and parenting struggles.
Online resources can be a valuable resource to those suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment is a way to determine if their symptoms are connected to ADHD. These tools typically include an assessment with items that are commonly experienced by adults with ADHD. However, they cannot serve as a substitute for a professional assessment.
There are a variety of local and national support groups for people with ADHD in addition to the online resources. These groups are usually led by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD. They can provide a safe and secure environment to discuss symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children with ADHD can also receive a great deal of help and support from their doctors. In addition to prescribing medication as well as providing support, they can also be trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach the strategies to their children. Parents usually attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and practice these strategies between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, start by contacting your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They might be able to suggest a particular group or refer you to one. Make sure you attend a few meetings to ensure that the tone of the group is appropriate for you. Be cautious not to divulge too much personal information. In addition, be aware that the majority of forums and online support groups permit anyone to post information. This information is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.