How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they have ADHD You should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. Insurance can cover a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, making it less expensive than paying for it out of the pocket.
This free tool cannot give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a medical professional or a mental health professional is able to determine and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is identified when the symptoms are affecting a person's life, their work, or their relationships. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial that a certified health care professional performs an exhaustive assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment options.
A professional will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms are present on a regular basis.
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, having a conversation with a person or the sound outside the window).
Isn't able to complete assignments or tasks at school or in work (e.g. you forget to turn in a report, loses work materials, or doesn't make sure to check in with the supervisor).
Has difficulty waiting for his or his or her turn during conversations or games. Frequently blurts out answers before the question has been fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is hesitant to engage with tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork or homework for teenagers and adult, preparing documents or reports, reviewing papers).
It is often difficult to keep the track of time or understanding complex or changing schedules (e.g. often fails to make appointments or falls behind on work or household obligations).
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first grade relative.
assessed for adhd suffering from ADHD often have other disorders such as mood disorders or sleep problems that can result in similar symptoms. A health professional can look into the person's past physical and mental health, including mood. They may also ask about any medications they have taken in the past and present. They also will look at the patient's current or, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. Health care professionals can usually get this information with the patient's consent by speaking to friends and coworkers, and by reviewing school report cards or other educational records. Health care professionals will be able to determine if the person is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health strategies" to help treat ADHD. adhd assessments aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
You may be told that you have ADHD when you're prone to losing your keys, experience difficulties keeping up with work or school or if you forget appointments. These kinds of remarks are fun to laugh at every now and then however if you feel that your apathy and lack of organization are escalating, it's worth seeing a mental health professional about. This isn't a diagnosis tool, but it's a great place to start a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are causing disruption to your life.
Self-assessment is a good method to determine if you or your child might be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD. However an expert is able to diagnose the condition following a consultation. They will examine your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your life as well as your family history, your mental and medical history. They will also utilize checklists or rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also conduct physical examinations to rule out 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 situations and seriously affect your child's or yours's daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months and not be better explained by other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for older teens and adults is a bit different. They must demonstrate consistently five of the seven inattention and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. When choosing the best treatment plan, it's crucial that your physician is aware of your past.
It's also crucial that the person you choose to work with has experience and expertise working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Many adults who have symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. Ask about their training and experience prior to scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment because of the stigma associated with the condition. Scientific research has confirmed adults with ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms can adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies, including therapy, lifestyle changes and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's life are addressed which allows them to deal with the difficulties of ADHD more effectively.
Individual therapy for talk therapy is a crucial part of the treatment process. Talk therapy can help patients manage stress, improve relationships and improve their coping skills. It helps people understand and manage impulsive behavior and learn to manage their time and finances better. These treatments can be provided in person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a great method of teaching parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During sessions the therapist will instruct families how to establish clear expectations and reward for positive behaviors. They can also instruct parents to eliminate distractions and make their child's workspace more comfortable, allowing them to concentrate on work or other tasks.
In therapy, you can teach self-management skills, such as time management and organizational skills as well as self-care techniques such eating healthy and exercising. These tools are especially useful for children with ADHD who have difficulty in school.
Medication is an effective treatment for some people with ADHD. The medications reduce the activity in certain regions of the brain that control impulse control. This helps people focus and concentrate. There are a myriad of medicines available for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, and nonstimulants like quetiapine, atomoxetine, and bupropion. Melatonin is also available as an over-the-counter oral medication.
In addition to pharmacological treatments There are a number of alternative therapies to manage ADHD. One study revealed that a tiny electrical device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the trigeminal nerve system, which transmits the sensations from the head and face to your brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief but it can also bring up a lot of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more details about how their symptoms impact them and what they can manage. The good thing is that there's a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD and their families, can seek support from support groups to help overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect with others who can help, provide guidance, or offer emotional support. A majority of these groups concentrate on specific subjects like parenting issues and workplace issues.
Online resources can also be a great source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their symptoms are connected to ADHD. They typically include a questionnaire that includes items that are common to people with ADHD. However, they are not able to serve as a substitute for a professional assessment.
There are a variety of local and national support groups for those who suffer from ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are often led by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD and provide an environment where people can discuss the symptoms, challenges, and solutions.
Doctors can provide a lot of support and assistance to parents of children with ADHD. They can also be trained in strategies for managing behavior that they can impart to their children. Parents usually go to 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these strategies in between sessions.
Contact your mental health provider or your healthcare provider if are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They may be able to suggest a specific group or refer you to one. Also, make sure you go to a few meetings before you sign up to ensure that the tone is appropriate for you. Also, be careful of sharing too much personal information. Be aware that most forums and online support groups permit anyone to post information. This advice is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.