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. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional can be covered by insurance, making it much affordable than having to pay out-of-pocket.
This free tool does not provide a diagnosis. Only a doctor or a mental health professional is able to determine and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD will suffer from symptoms that affect their work, lives, and relationships. It is important to remember that not all people will experience the same symptoms. Some symptoms may be concealed by diet or stress, for example. It is crucial that a certified healthcare professional conducts an assessment to determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A professional will ask you a series of questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms are present every day.
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g. TV, a chat with a friend, the noises of traffic outside the window).
Follows through on assignments and projects at school or work (e.g. fails to submit the report, loses work materials or does not check in with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting to be the next in a game or conversation. Answers questions before they're fully asked. Most often, he avoids, or dislikes or is unwilling to take on tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework for older teens and adults, writing documents or reports, examining papers).
Are having difficulty in keeping track of time or comprehending complicated or changing schedules.
The person is a family member who was diagnosed with ADHD.
It is common for people with ADHD to suffer from other health conditions or disorders like sleep and mood issues, which can produce similar symptoms. A health care provider may look into the person's past physical and mental health including mood. They might also inquire about the current and previous medications. They may also look at the person's childhood, or in the case of an adult, current behavior. Health care providers can often get this information with the consent of the patient through conversations with colleagues and friends, as well as by reviewing school report cards or other educational records. Health care professionals will also check to see if the person is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health treatments" to help with ADHD. These methods have not been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You might be told you have ADHD If you're prone of losing your keys, having difficulty keeping up at work or school or forgetting appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks once or twice. If your lack of attention and apathy are becoming more and more frequent and you're not sure if it's time to consult a mental health professional. This isn't a diagnostic tool, but it's a good opportunity to begin a conversation about seeking help for the symptoms that are causing disruption to your life.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine if you or your child may have symptoms that indicate ADHD. However, a specialist can only diagnose the condition after a consultation. They will assess your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your life, your family history, medical and psychiatric background. They will use checklists and rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to rule out any other possible reasons for 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 must be evident in more than one setting like school and home or social settings and seriously affect your child's or yours's daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by another condition, like anxiety or depression.
For adults or older teens the criteria are slightly different. They must demonstrate consistently five of the seven inattentive and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. When choosing the best treatment plan, it's crucial that your physician knows your history.
It's important that your provider is trained and has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD choose to work with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. Find out about their training and experience prior to scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD do not seek treatment due to a negative stigma associated with the condition. Scientific research has confirmed adult ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms can negatively affect quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle changes and educational support. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the individual's life will be addressed and will allow them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Individual talk therapy is an important component of the treatment process. Talk therapy can help patients manage stress, improve relationships and develop strategies for coping. It can help people recognize and manage impulsive behavior and help them manage their time and finances better. These treatments can be provided in person or through an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is an excellent method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During therapy sessions, the therapist will instruct parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also show parents to eliminate distractions and make their child's workspace more comfortable, allowing them to focus on homework or tasks.
There is also a range of self-management techniques that can be taught in therapy, such as organizational and time management skills, and self-care practices like exercise and eating a healthy diet. how to get an adhd assessment are particularly helpful for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Medication is an effective treatment for some people with ADHD. The drugs work by reducing the activity in specific regions of the brain that regulate impulse control, which enables people to concentrate and pay attention. There are many different medications available for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, quetiapine and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral medication.
There are also a few treatment options that are experimental for ADHD in addition to the use of pharmacological treatments. One study revealed that a small electrical device known as Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending a series of pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief but it can also bring up lots of questions. It's normal for adults to to understand how their symptoms impact them and what they can do to manage their lives. There are a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD, and their families are able to seek out support through support groups to help them navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect to others who can share their experiences, provide advice, or provide emotional assistance. In addition, many of these groups are specifically focused on specific topics like workplace issues, parenting struggles, and the unique challenges women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can also be a valuable resource for those suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine whether or not their symptoms could be related to ADHD. They typically include the questionnaire, which includes items that are common to people with ADHD. However, they cannot serve as a replacement for a professional assessment.
In addition to a wide array of online sources, there are numerous local and national support groups for people suffering from ADHD. They are usually run by mental healthcare experts who specialize in ADHD. They provide a safe environment to discuss symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children who suffer from ADHD can also receive plenty of assistance and support from their doctor. They can also be trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can impart to their children. Parents typically attend 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these techniques in between sessions.
Contact your mental health provider or healthcare provider if you are looking to join a support group for ADHD. They may be able suggest a specific group or recommend you to one. Be sure to attend a few meetings to ensure that the group's tone is appropriate for you. Be careful not to disclose too much personal information. In addition, be aware that most forums and online support groups allow anyone to post information. This information is not regulated and may not align with medical practices.