How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child think they might have ADHD It is recommended that you get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. A thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare provider can be covered by insurance, which makes it affordable than having to pay out-of-pocket.
This tool is free and does not provide a diagnosis. Only a doctor or a mental health professional can assess and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD will have symptoms that interfere with their work, life, and relationships. It is important to remember that not everyone has the same symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised by stress or diet, for example. It is crucial that a qualified healthcare professional completes an assessment to accurately diagnose and identify effective treatment.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine the severity of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter regularly like:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, a conversation with a friend or the sounds outside the window).
Completes assignments and projects at work or school (e.g. forgets to submit an assignment, loses work materials, or doesn't make contact with the supervisor).
Has difficulties waiting for her turn in games or conversations. Frequently blurts out answers before the question has been fully asked. Sometimes, they avoid, do not like or is hesitant to engage in tasks that require continuous mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing documents or reports, examining papers).
Are having difficulty keeping track of the time or interpreting complicated or changing schedules.
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first level relative.
People with ADHD frequently have other conditions such as mood disorders or sleep disorders, which result in similar symptoms. A healthcare professional may review the person's past mental and physical health including mood. They can also inquire about the current and previous medications. They may also look at the person's early years or in the case of an adult, current behavior. The health care provider can get this information by asking friends and coworkers for their opinions, or reviewing early school records and other educational records. Additionally health specialists will examine whether the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary" methods to help with their ADHD. These strategies haven't been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You may be told that you suffer from ADHD if you're prone of losing your keys, have difficulty keeping up at work or school or if you forget appointments. These types of comments are easy to laugh off once or twice however if you feel that your lack of recollection and disorganization are getting out of control it's a good idea to consult a mental health professional about. This isn't a diagnosis tool but it's a good starting point to talk with someone about seeking help for any symptoms that are disrupting your life.
While self-assessment tools are useful in determining whether you or your child might have symptoms that indicate ADHD The only way to get a diagnosis is through an evaluation and consultation with a specialist in the field. They will review your or your child's symptoms and will ask you questions about your life, family history, and medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to determine if there are any other possible causes for your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your provider will look at the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms should be present in at least two different settings, such as school and home, or social situations. They also must significantly interfere with the daily activities. They must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be better explained by other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
For adults or older teens the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. They must show consistently five of the seven inattentive or impulsive signs to be diagnosed as having ADHD. It is essential that your doctor understands your history when making a diagnosis and before choosing the most appropriate treatment plan.
It is also essential that your provider has training and expertise working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults who exhibit symptoms of ADHD have an accredited professional counselor or therapist. It is helpful to inquire about their training and experience prior to making an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek treatment due to the negative stigma associated with the condition. However, scientific research has proven that adult ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms can affect quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also recommend education assistance. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of a person's life are addressed and will allow them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Individual talk therapy is a vital part of the treatment process. Talk therapy can help patients manage stress, improve relationships and build coping skills. It helps people understand and control impulsive behaviors and help them manage their time and finances better. These therapies can be offered in person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is an excellent method of teaching parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During sessions, the therapist will instruct parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behavior. They can help parents remove distractions from their child's area of work and make it easier to allow them to concentrate on their work or homework.
There are also a variety of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, such as organizational and time management skills, as well as self-care practices such as exercise and eating a healthy diet. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who have difficulty in school.
Medication is a very effective treatment for some people with ADHD. The medications work by decreasing activity in certain areas of the brain that regulate impulse control. This allows people to pay attention and focus. There are many different medicines available for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, quitiapine, and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral medication.
In addition to pharmacological treatments there are also alternative therapies to manage ADHD. In one study, a small electrical device, dubbed Monarch eTNS, which is an electronic trigeminal neural stimulation was found to decrease the symptoms of ADHD among children. It works by sending short bursts of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD could be an elation, it could also bring up a new set of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more information about how their symptoms impact them and what they can manage. The good news is that there are numerous resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their loved ones can seek out support groups for assistance in navigating the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many of these groups are designed to enable people to connect with other people who can relate to their own experiences as well as offer advice and provide emotional assistance. Additionally, many of these groups are specifically focused on issues such as workplace issues, parenting struggles and the unique challenges that women with ADHD have to face.
Online resources can be a great source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their symptoms may be related to ADHD. Highly recommended Internet page include a questionnaire that includes items that are typical of adults suffering from ADHD. However, they cannot serve as a substitute for professional assessment.
In addition to a variety of online resources, there are a number of local and national support groups available for those suffering from ADHD. They are usually run by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD. They can provide a safe and secure environment to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Doctors can offer a lot of support and help to parents of children with ADHD. In addition to prescribing medication, they can also be trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach them to their children. Parents typically attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and use these strategies in between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, start by contacting your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able suggest a specific group or suggest one. Also, make sure you attend a few meetings prior to you join to ensure that the tone is right for you. Be cautious about sharing excessive personal information. Be aware that most forums and online support groups allow anyone to post information. This advice is not regulated and may not be in line with medical practices.