How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they have ADHD It is recommended that you seek professional diagnosis and assessment. A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider is covered by insurance, which makes it affordable than having to pay out-of-pocket.
This free tool does NOT provide a diagnosis. Only a medical doctor or a mental health professional is able to determine and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms affect the person's life, work, or their relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone has the same symptoms. Symptoms may be masked by diet or stress, for example. It is crucial that a certified healthcare professional completes an assessment to accurately determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A specialist will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you are experiencing on a daily basis.
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g., TV, a chat with a friend, the noises of traffic outside the window).
Completes assignments and tasks at school or work (e.g. is late in submitting a report, misplaces work supplies or fails to communicate with the supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting to be the next in a game or conversation. Frequently blurts out answers before the question has been fully asked. Avoids, dislikes or is not willing to take on tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork or homework for adolescents older than adults, writing reports or documents, or reviewing papers).
Is having trouble keeping track of the time or interpreting complicated or changing schedules.
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first level relative.
People with ADHD typically have other issues, such as mood or sleep problems that result in similar symptoms. A health professional will examine the patient'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 they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. The health professional can find this information by asking coworkers and friends for their opinion, or by reviewing early school records and other educational records. Health care professionals will be able to determine if the person is using psychostimulants, or any other "complementary health treatments" to treat ADHD. These approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to lose your keys, struggle to keep up in school or at work, or have difficulty remembering appointments, you might be told by friends or family members that you're suffering from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these remarks once or twice. But if your forgetfulness and lack of organization seem to be getting out of control, it may be an appropriate time to seek out an expert in mental health. This assessment is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start a conversation about getting help for symptoms that are disruptive to your life.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine whether you or your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD. However, a specialist can only diagnose the problem following a consultation. They will examine your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your life, your family history, and your medical and psychiatric history. They will also use checklists or rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your provider will review the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be evident in more than one setting like school and home or social situations and seriously affect your child's or yours's daily functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be better explained by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
For older teens or adults the criteria are slightly different. They must show consistently five of the seven inattention or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. It's crucial that your physician understands your history when determining the diagnosis and selecting the best treatment strategy.
It's important that your provider is certified and has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD choose to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. It is helpful to inquire about their experience and training prior to making an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment due to the stigma associated with the condition. Research has proven that adults with ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms can negatively affect quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies, including therapies, lifestyle modifications and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of the individual's life are addressed, allowing him or her to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Talk therapy with a person is an essential part of the healing process. Talk therapy can help patients manage stress, improve relationships, and improve their strategies for coping. It helps people understand and control impulsive behaviors and learn to manage their time and finances better. These treatments can be provided in-person or via an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a method to teach parents and family members how to manage a child's ADHD symptoms. During therapy sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to establish expectations and reward positive behaviors. They can also instruct parents how to remove distractions and make their child's space more comfortable so they can concentrate on their work or assignments.
There are a myriad of self-management techniques 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 particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who have trouble at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated by taking medication. The medications work by decreasing activity in specific areas of the brain which regulate impulse control. This allows people to focus and concentrate. There are getting assessed for adhd of treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, quitiapine and bupropion. Melatonin is also sold as an over-the counter oral supplement.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment There are a number of new therapies that are being tested to treat ADHD. One study showed that a small device called 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 transmits the sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD can be an elation, it could also open up a whole new set of questions. It's normal for adults to want to understand how their symptoms impact them and what they can do to improve their lives. The good thing is that there's many resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their loved ones can turn to support groups to help navigate the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect to others who can relate, offer guidance, or offer emotional assistance. A lot of these groups focus on specific topics, such as workplace issues and parenting struggles.
Online resources can be an invaluable resource for people with ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their issues are related to ADHD. These tools usually include an assessment that contains items that are common to adults with ADHD. They cannot replace the need for a professional assessment.
There are numerous local and national support groups for people who suffer from ADHD, in addition to the online resources. These groups are usually run by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD and offer a safe space to discuss symptoms, challenges, and solutions.
Doctors can offer a lot of assistance and support to parents of children with ADHD. In addition to prescribing medications as well as providing support, they can also be trained to implement strategies for managing behavior and teach them to their children. Parents usually go to 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and practice using these techniques between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, start by calling your mental health professional or healthcare professional. They may be able recommend a specific group or suggest one. Also, make sure you go to a few meetings before you sign up to ensure that the tone is right for you. Be cautious not to divulge too much personal information. Also, be aware that most forums and online support groups allow anyone to share advice. This advice is not regulated and may not align with medical practices.