How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It is important to seek professional assessment and diagnosis. Insurance can cover a comprehensive evaluation by a certified healthcare professional and is therefore less expensive than paying for it out of pocket.
This free tool does NOT give a diagnosis. Only a doctor or a mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms interfere with the life of a person, their work or their relationships. It is important to note that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet can cause symptoms. It is important that a trained healthcare provider performs an assessment in order to accurately determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A professional will employ a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience regularly for example:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television or having a conversation with a person or the sound outside the window).
Completes assignments and tasks at work or in school (e.g. fails to submit the report, loses work materials or does not communicate with the supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting for their turn in conversations or games. Answers questions before they're fully asked. Avoids, dislikes or is not willing to take on tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. homework or schoolwork for teenagers and adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).
Has difficulty keeping track of time or interpreting complex schedules or changes in them.
The person is a family member who was diagnosed with ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD typically have other issues, such as mood or sleep disorders that result in similar symptoms. A health care provider may review the person's past mental and physical health, including mood. They can also inquire about any medications they have taken in the past and present. They also will look into the person's childhood or when they are an adult, their current behavior. Health care professionals can usually get this information with the patient's consent through conversations with colleagues and friends, as well as by looking over early school report cards or other academic records. Health care professionals will be able to determine whether the patient is taking psychostimulants, or other "complementary health treatments" to help treat ADHD. These methods have not been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You may be told that you suffer from ADHD If you are prone to losing your keys, experience difficulty keeping up at work or school or if you forget appointments. These kinds of comments are easy to laugh off once or twice, but if you feel that your forgetfulness and disorganization are becoming out of hand, it's worth seeing a mental health professional about. This is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start the conversation about getting assistance for any symptoms that can disrupt your life.
While self-assessment tools are a good way to identify whether you or your child may have signs that indicate ADHD, the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to have an evaluation and consultation with an expert in the field. They will discuss the symptoms of your child or yourself and will ask you questions about your life, family history, and medical and psychosis history. They will use checklists and rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They will also do an examination to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your provider will look at the American Psychiatric 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, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for adults and older teens is slightly different. To be considered to have ADHD it is necessary to consistently exhibit five of the seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms. When deciding on the best treatment plan, it's crucial that your physician is aware of your past.
It is essential that the person you choose to consult with is certified and has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults who have symptoms of ADHD prefer working with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. how do i get an adhd assessment should inquire about their experience and education before scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people with ADHD do not seek treatment because of the stigma that surrounds the condition. Scientific research has confirmed adult ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms could adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, including therapy and lifestyle modifications. They also recommend educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's life are addressed which allows them to deal with the challenges of their ADHD more effectively.
Individual talk therapy is a vital part of the treatment process. Talk therapy can help individuals manage stress, improve relationships and develop the ability to cope. It helps people understand and control their impulsive behavior, and learn to manage their time and money better. These treatments can be provided either in person or via an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be utilized to teach parents and other family members how to manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In sessions, therapists will instruct parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also help parents get rid of distractions from their child's work area and make it easier for them to concentrate on their work or assignments.
There are a myriad of self-management techniques that can be taught in therapy, including organizational and time management skills, as well as self-care practices like exercise and eating a healthy diet. These tools are especially useful for children suffering from ADHD that struggle in school.
The use of medication is a successful treatment for people suffering from ADHD. The drugs work by reducing activity in specific areas of the brain that control impulse control. This helps people pay attention and focus. There are a variety of different medicines 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. It is available over-the-counter as an oral supplement.
In addition to pharmacological treatments there are also experimental therapies for managing ADHD. In one study, a small electronic device called Monarch eTNS, which is an electronic trigeminal neural stimulation - was found to lessen the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the trigeminal nervous system, which transmits sensations from the head and face to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it also brings 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 do to manage. There are a variety of free resources available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their families, can seek support from support groups to help them deal with the challenges of the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect to others who can help, provide advice, or provide emotional support. Many of these groups also focus on specific topics, such as problems with parenting and work.
Online resources are also an excellent resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools can assist individuals determine if their symptoms could be related to ADHD. They usually include an assessment with items that are commonly experienced by adults suffering from ADHD. However, they are not able to serve as a substitute for a professional assessment.
In addition to a range of online resources, there are also several local and national support groups for people suffering from ADHD. These groups are usually run by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD and can offer an opportunity to talk about the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children with ADHD can also receive plenty of assistance and support from their doctor. They can also receive training in the use of behavioral strategies they can teach their children. Parents typically attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and practice these strategies between sessions.
Talk to your mental health care provider or healthcare provider if you are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They might be able to recommend an organization or suggest a specific one. Also, make sure you go to a few meetings before you join to ensure that the tone is right for you. Be cautious not to divulge too much personal information. Be aware that many forums and online support groups permit anyone to post advice. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not be in line with medical practices.