How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to seek a professional assessment and diagnosis. Insurance could cover a thorough examination by a qualified healthcare professional, making it less expensive than paying for it out of pocket.
This free tool cannot give any diagnosis. Only a medical professional or mental health provider can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD will have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, life, and relationships. It is important to remember that not all suffer from the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. It is essential that a trained healthcare provider completes an assessment to accurately determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A trained professional will ask you a series of questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience every day.
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, an exchange with a friend or the sound of the outside window).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at school or work (e.g. fails to submit a report, misplaces work supplies or fails to communicate with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting to be the next in games or conversations. Sometimes, they blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Most often, he avoids, or dislikes or is hesitant to engage in tasks that require a sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports or documents, or reviewing papers).
Are having difficulty in keeping track of time or interpreting complicated or changing schedules.
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first degree relative.
People with ADHD often have other disorders such as mood disorders or sleep disorders, which result in similar symptoms. A healthcare professional will look over the person's mental and physical health history, including mood and may inquire about previous and current medications. They will also look at the patient's present or, if an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. Health care providers often get this information with the patient's consent by talking to friends and coworkers, and by looking over early school report cards or other educational records. Additionally health care specialists will examine whether the patient is using psychostimulants or other "complementary" methods to help with their ADHD. These approaches are not scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to lose your keys, struggle to keep up in school or at work, or are having trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by family or friends family members that you suffer from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these remarks at least once or twice. However, if your reluctance and lack of organization seem to be getting out of control and you're not sure if it's the time to talk to an expert in mental health. This is not a diagnostic tool, but it's a great starting point to talk with someone about seeking help for symptoms that are causing disruption to your life.
Self-assessment is a good method to determine if you or your child have signs that indicate ADHD. However an expert can only diagnose the condition after a consultation. They will assess your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your lifestyle, your family history, your medical and psychiatric history. They will also use rating scales or checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also conduct a physical examination to rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your provider will look at the American Association for Psychiatric Research's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms must be evident in at least two settings such as school and at home, or in social settings. They must also substantially affect your everyday functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be a better explanation for another condition, like depression or anxiety.
For older teens or adults the criteria are slightly different. They must consistently demonstrate just five of the seven inattention or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADHD. When choosing the best treatment plan, it's vital that your doctor is aware of your past.
It's important that your provider is trained and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. It's helpful to ask about their education and experience before you make an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD aren't seeking treatment due to the stigma associated with the condition. However, understanding has proven that adult ADHD is real and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, such as therapies and lifestyle modifications. They also recommend educational support. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the individual's life are addressed, allowing him or her to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Talk therapy with an individual is a vital element of healing. Talk therapy can be used to assist people in managing stress and improve their relationships and develop strategies for coping. It can help people recognize and control their impulsive behavior, and learn to manage their time and money better. These treatments can be provided either in person or through an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a method to teach parents and other family members how to manage a child's ADHD symptoms. During therapy sessions, the therapist 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 workspace and make it easier for them to concentrate on their homework or tasks.
There is also a range of self-management strategies that can be taught in therapy, including time and organization 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.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be treated effectively with medication. Medications work by decreasing the activity in certain areas of the brain that regulate impulse control, which enables people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a number of different medicines that can be prescribed for ADHD, including stimulants, such as Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera), quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and melatonin, which can be available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
There are a few experimental treatments for ADHD as well as pharmaceutical treatment. In one study, a small electrical device, dubbed Monarch eTNS, which is an electronic trigeminal neuro stimulation was found to lessen the symptoms of ADHD among children. It works by sending a series of pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve which transmits the sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief but it can also bring up a lot of questions. It's normal for adults to want to know how their conditions impact them and what they can do to manage their lives. The good news is that there's a many resources for free available.
Adults with ADHD, and their families are able to seek out support through support groups to help navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many of these groups are designed to enable people to connect with others who can relate to their own experiences provide advice, and offer emotional assistance. In addition, many of these groups are focused on issues such as workplace issues, parenting struggles and the unique challenges women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can be a valuable source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals identify whether or not their symptoms could be related to ADHD. These tools typically include an assessment with items commonly encountered by people with ADHD. They are not a substitute for a professional evaluation.
There are numerous local and national support groups for those who suffer from ADHD in addition to the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD. They provide a safe environment to discuss issues, symptoms and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also receive a great deal of help and guidance from their doctors. They can also be trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can teach 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 looking to join a support group for ADHD. They may be able recommend an organization or recommend a particular one. Also, be sure to attend a few meetings prior to you join to ensure that the tone is right for you. Be cautious not to divulge too much personal information. Be aware that anyone can post advice on many forums and online support groups. The advice you post may not be controlled by medical practices and is not regulated.