How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child think they might have ADHD You should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. Insurance could cover a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional and is therefore cheaper than paying for it out of the pocket.
This free tool does NOT give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a medical doctor or mental health provider can assess and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms affect the person's life, work, or their relationships. It is important to remember that not all suffer from the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. It is important that a certified healthcare professional performs an assessment in order to accurately diagnose and identify effective treatment.
A trained professional will ask you a series of questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience on a regular basis.
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television or an exchange with a friend or the sound of the outside window).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at work or in school (e.g. forgets to submit an assignment, loses work materials, or doesn't check in with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting for their turn in a game or conversation. Infrequently, they will blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to do tasks that require sustained mental efforts (e.g. schoolwork or homework, for older adolescents and adults, writing documents or reports, reviewing papers).
Often has trouble keeping track of time or understanding the changing or complex schedules (e.g. frequently fails to make appointments or is late on work or household obligations).
The person has a first-degree family member who was diagnosed with ADHD.
People with ADHD frequently have other conditions such as mood disorders or sleep issues, which cause similar symptoms. A health care provider will examine the patient's physical and mental health background, including mood, and will ask about any past and current medications. They will also look at the person's current or, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. The health care provider may obtain this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinions, or by studying early school documents and other records of education. Additionally health professionals will look at whether the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary" methods to help with their ADHD. These methods have not been proven scientifically to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You might be told you have ADHD when you are prone to losing your keys, having difficulties keeping up with work or school, or forget appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks once or twice. If your lack of attention and disorganization seem to be becoming more and more frequent and you're not sure if it's time to consult a mental health professional. This assessment is not an instrument for diagnosing however it's a great way to start a conversation about seeking help for issues that can disrupt your daily life.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine if you or your child might be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD. However the specialist can only diagnose the problem after a consultation. They will examine your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your lifestyle, your family history, and your medical and psychiatric background. They will also use rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also conduct an examination to rule out possible causes for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will look at the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To qualify as having ADHD your symptoms have to manifest in two or more settings, like home and school or social settings and have a significant impact on your or your child's daily functioning. They have to be present for a minimum of 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
For older teens or adults the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. They must show consistently five of the seven inattention or impulsive signs to be diagnosed with ADHD. When deciding on a treatment plan, it's vital that your physician knows your history.
It's also crucial that the person you choose to work with has experience and expertise working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD choose to work with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. how to get a adhd assessment should inquire about their training and experience prior to scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD aren't seeking treatment because of the stigma that surrounds the condition. However, scientific research has proved that adults with ADHD is real and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also recommend educational support. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of the individual's life are addressed and will allow them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Individual talk therapy is a crucial part of the treatment process. The use of talk therapy is to help people manage stress, improve their relationships, and develop coping strategies. It can also assist people to understand and control their impulsive behavior as well as learn how to manage time and money more effectively. These therapies can be delivered either in person or through an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a fantastic method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. In therapy sessions, a therapist will teach families how to set clear expectations and provide rewards for positive behavior. They can also instruct parents to eliminate distractions and make their child's workspace more comfortable, so that they can concentrate on work or other tasks.
In therapy, you can also teach self-management skills like time management and organizational skills, as well as self-care methods like eating healthy and exercising. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.
Some people with ADHD can be effectively treated with medication. They work by reducing activity in specific regions of the brain which regulate impulse control, allowing people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of different medications that can be prescribed for ADHD, including stimulants, such as Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which is available over the counter as an oral supplement.
There are also a few experimental treatments for ADHD in addition to the use of pharmacological treatments. One study showed that a small device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending short bursts of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nervous system, which transmits the sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD can be an elation, it could also lead to a new set of questions. It's natural for adults to want more details about how their symptoms affect them and what they can manage. There are numerous resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD, and their loved ones can seek help through support groups to help navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many of these groups help people connect to others who can share their experiences, provide guidance, or offer emotional support. A lot of these groups focus on specific topics, such as workplace issues and parenting struggles.
Online resources can be a great resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine whether or not their symptoms are related to ADHD. These tools typically include the questionnaire, which includes items that are typically experienced by adults with ADHD. They cannot replace the need for a professional assessment.
In addition to a range of online resources, there are also numerous local and national support groups for those suffering from ADHD. These groups are typically led by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD and offer an opportunity to talk about symptoms, challenges, and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also get plenty of assistance and support from their doctors. They can also be trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can teach to their children. Parents usually go to 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and practice using these techniques between sessions.
Contact your mental health provider or healthcare provider if you are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They may be able recommend a group or refer you to a specific one. Make sure you attend at least 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. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not align with medical practices.
