How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspects they may have ADHD You should seek out a professional diagnosis and assessment. A thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare provider can be covered by insurance, making it affordable than having to pay out-of-pocket.
This tool is free and does not provide an assessment or diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health professional can evaluate and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD are likely to suffer from symptoms that affect their work, life and relationships. It is important to note that not all suffer from the same set of symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised due to stress or diet for instance. It is therefore essential that a trained health care provider completes a full assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and determine effective treatments.
A professional will employ a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter frequently for example:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television or an exchange with a friend or the sound outside the window).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at school or work (e.g. forgets to submit a report, misplaces work materials or does not make contact with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting for their turn in games or conversations. Infrequently, they will blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is not willing to engage with tasks that require sustained mental efforts (e.g. schoolwork or homework for teenagers and adults, writing documents or reports, reviewing papers).
Sometimes, it is difficult to keep the track of time or making sense of the changing or complex schedules (e.g. often misses appointments or falls behind on work or household obligations).
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first level relative.
It is common for those with ADHD to have other health conditions or disorders like sleep and mood issues, which produce similar symptoms. A health professional can review the person's past physical and mental health, including mood. They might also inquire about current and past medications. They also will look into the person's childhood or in the case of an adult, present behavior. Health care providers often collect this information with the patient's permission through conversations with colleagues and friends, and by looking over early school report cards or other academic records. Health professionals also look to see whether the patient is using psychostimulants, or any other "complementary health strategies" to treat ADHD. These strategies haven't been scientifically proven to help improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to losing your keys, have trouble keeping up in school or at work, or are having trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by your friends or family members that you're suffering from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments every now and then. However, if your reluctance and disorganization seem to be getting out of control, it may be time to consult a mental health professional. This isn't a diagnostic tool but it's a good place to start a conversation 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 be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD. However, a specialist is able to diagnose the condition following a consultation. They will examine your child's or your own's symptoms, and interview you about your life and family history as well as medical and psychiatric history. They will also use rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.
Your provider will use the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. Your symptoms should be present in at least two environments, such as school and your home, or in social situations. They also must substantially affect your daily functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be better explained by other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for adults and teens is slightly different. To be considered to have ADHD the person must consistently show five out of seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms. It's important that your provider knows your personal history in determining a diagnosis and when deciding on the best treatment plan.
It's also important that your provider has a degree and experience working with adults who have ADHD. Many adults who have symptoms of ADHD prefer working with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. Ask about their experience and education before you schedule an appointment.
Treatment
Many people with ADHD do not seek treatment due to a negative stigma that surrounds the condition. However, research conducted by scientists has proved that adults with ADHD is real and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies, such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. They also recommend educational support. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the person's life will be addressed, allowing him or her to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Individual therapy for talk therapy is an important part of the treatment process. The use of talk therapy is to assist people in managing stress, improve their relationships, and develop coping strategies. It can help people recognize and manage impulsive behavior and learn to manage their time and finances better. These therapies can be offered in person or through an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
adhd assessment women can be used to instruct parents and family members how to manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In sessions the therapist will instruct families how to set clear expectations and reward for good behavior. They can also instruct parents how to remove distractions and make their child's work space more comfortable, so that they can concentrate on work or other tasks.
There are a myriad of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, such as time and organization skills, and self-care practices like exercise and eating a balanced diet. These tools are especially useful for children suffering from ADHD that struggle in school.
Medication is a very effective treatment for people suffering from ADHD. The medications reduce activity in specific areas of the brain that regulate impulse control. This helps people focus and concentrate. There are a variety of different medications that can be prescribed for ADHD which include stimulants like Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera), quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which is available over-the-counter as an oral supplement.
There are also a few experimental treatments for ADHD as well as pharmacological treatment. One study revealed that a tiny electrical device known as 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 face and head to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief but it also brings up lots of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more information on how their symptoms affect them and what they are able to manage. The good news is that there are many resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their loved ones can seek out support groups for help navigating the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect to others who can help, provide guidance, or offer emotional assistance. In addition, many of these groups are focused on specific topics like workplace issues, parenting struggles, and the unique challenges women with ADHD face.
Online resources can also be a useful resource for those suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can assist individuals determine whether or not their symptoms may be connected to ADHD. They typically consist of a questionnaire with items commonly encountered by adults suffering from ADHD. They are not a substitute for an evaluation by a professional.
There are many local and national support groups for those with ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are usually led by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD and offer an environment where people can discuss symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Doctors can offer a lot of assistance and support parents of children who suffer from ADHD. In addition to prescribing medications as well as providing support, they can also be trained to implement behavior strategies and teach the strategies to their children. Parents typically attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and use these strategies in between sessions.
If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, begin by reaching out to your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able to suggest a specific group or refer you to one. Be sure to attend a few meetings prior to you join to make sure that the atmosphere is suitable for you. Be careful not to disclose too much personal information. Also, be aware that the majority of forums and online support groups allow anyone to post advice. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not align with medical practices.