How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD, you should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. A thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare provider is covered by insurance, making it much cheaper than paying out of pocket.
This tool is free and does not provide a diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health professional can assess and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms interfere with the life of a person, their work or relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not all people will experience the same symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised by stress or diet, for example. Therefore, it is essential that a certified health care provider completes an entire assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatments.
A professional will ask a series of questions to determine the frequency of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience on a regular basis for example:
Can easily be distracted by other stimuli (e.g., television, a chat with a friend, or the sound of traffic outside).
Do not complete tasks or assignments at school or at work (e.g. For example, he forgets to turn in an assignment, loses work supplies, or doesn't check in with supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting for their turn in a game or conversation. Answers questions before they are fully asked. Sometimes, they avoid, do not like, or is reluctant to do tasks that require a sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework or for older adolescents and adults, writing documents or reports, examining papers).
Are having difficulty in keeping track of time or interpreting complicated or changing schedules.
The person is a first-degree 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 healthcare professional may review the person's past physical and mental health, including mood. They might also inquire 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 behaviors and school experiences. Health care providers can often get this information with the patient's permission by speaking to colleagues and friends, as well as by reviewing school report cards or other records of education. Additionally health care specialists will examine whether the person uses psychostimulants or other "complementary" health treatments to treat their ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to losing your keys, have trouble keeping up at school or at work, or have trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by friends or family that you have ADHD. These kinds of comments are fun to laugh at every now and then however if you believe that your forgetfulness and disorganization are escalating, it's something you should talk to an expert in mental health for. This isn't a diagnosis tool, but it's a good place to start a conversation about seeking help for symptoms that are disrupting your life.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine whether you or your child have signs that indicate ADHD. However the specialist can only diagnose the problem after a consultation. They will review your child's or your own's symptoms and will ask you questions about your daily routine, family history, and medical and psychosis history. They will also utilize rating scales and checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also perform an examination of your body to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
Your physician will employ the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. Your symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings like school, home, or social situations. They also need to significantly interfere with daily functioning. They must be present for at least 6 months and not be explained by other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
The criteria for older teens and adults is a bit different. They must show consistently five of the seven attention-deficit or impulsive signs to be diagnosed with ADHD. When deciding on the best treatment plan, it's crucial that your physician knows your medical history.
It is also essential that the person you choose to work with has experience and expertise working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Many people who have symptoms of ADHD have an accredited professional therapist or counselor. It is helpful to inquire about their experience and training before you make an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD do not seek treatment due to the stigma that is associated with the condition. However, research has proven that adults with ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms diminish the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle modifications and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life are addressed and allows them to face the challenges of ADHD more effectively.
Therapy with an individual is a vital part of the healing process. Talk therapy can help individuals manage stress, improve relationships, and build strategies for coping. It can help people understand and control their impulsive behavior, and help them manage their time and finances better. These therapies can be offered in-person or via an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be utilized to teach parents and other family members how to manage a child's ADHD symptoms. During therapy sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behaviors. They can also instruct parents how to set aside distractions and make their child's space more comfortable, allowing them to concentrate on their work or assignments.
There is also a range of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, including organizational and time management techniques, as well as self-care routines such as exercise and eating a healthy diet. These tools are especially useful for children with ADHD who have difficulty in school.
The use of medication is a successful treatment for some people with ADHD. They work by reducing activity in specific regions of the brain that control impulse control, which allows people to focus and pay attention. There are a myriad of treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants like quetiapine, atomoxetine, and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment, there are a few experimental therapies for managing ADHD. In one study, a tiny electrical device, dubbed Monarch eTNS, which is an electronic trigeminal neural stimulation - was found to lessen the symptoms of ADHD among children. It works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the trigeminal nervous system, which transmits sensations from the face and head to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief but it can also raise lots of questions. It's normal for adults to to know how their conditions affect them and what they can do to better manage their lives. The good news is that there's a a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD, and their loved ones, can seek support through support groups to help them overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. Many of these groups are designed to enable people to connect with other people who can relate to their own experiences provide advice, and offer emotional support. Additionally, a lot 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 an invaluable resource for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment can help people determine if their symptoms are connected to ADHD. They typically include an assessment that contains items that are common to adults with ADHD. They are not a substitute for the need for a professional assessment.
There are numerous local and national support groups for people with ADHD, in addition to the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD and provide a safe space to discuss the symptoms, challenges, and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also receive lots of assistance and support from their doctor. In addition to prescribing medications, they can also be trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach these to their children. Parents usually attend sessions of 8-16 with a therapist and practice these strategies in between sessions.
Contact your mental health professional or healthcare provider if you are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They may be able to suggest an organization or refer you to a particular one. Be sure to attend at least a few meetings to ensure that the tone of the group is appropriate for you. Be cautious not to divulge any personal information. Also, be aware that many forums and online support groups permit anyone to post advice. The advice you post is not controlled by medical practices and is not controlled.