How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child think they might have ADHD It is recommended that you get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. Insurance can cover a comprehensive evaluation by a certified healthcare professional and is therefore more affordable than paying for it out of your pocket.
This free tool cannot give any diagnosis. Only a medical doctor or mental health provider can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is identified when the symptoms are affecting the person's life, work or relationships. However, it is important to remember that not all sufferers have the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet can mask symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial that a certified health care provider completes a full assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and identify the most effective treatment options.
A professional will employ a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter frequently, such as:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, a conversation with a friend or the sound outside the window).
Completes assignments and projects at school or work (e.g. fails to submit a report, misplaces work materials, or doesn't make contact with the supervisor).
Has difficulties waiting for his or her turn in conversations or games. Answers questions before they're fully asked. Often avoids, dislikes or is unwilling to engage in tasks that require continuous mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, writing reports or documents, reviewing papers).
Often has trouble keeping track of time or navigating complex or changing schedules (e.g. frequently is late to appointments or falls behind on household or work obligations).
how to get an adhd assessment has a family member with ADHD who is a first degree relative.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other disorders or health conditions such as sleep and mood issues, which result in similar symptoms. A health professional can examine the person's previous physical and mental health, including mood. They may also ask about current and past medications. They may also look at the person's childhood, or in the case of an adult, present behavior. The health care provider may find this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinions, or by reviewing early school records and other educational records. Health professionals may be able to determine whether the patient is using psychostimulants or other "complementary health treatments" to help with ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to help improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
You might be told you have ADHD If you're prone to losing your keys, experience difficulties keeping up with work or at school or forgetting appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks once or twice. However, if your reluctance and apathy are getting out of hand, it may be the time to talk to an expert in mental health. This isn't a diagnosis tool, but it's a great starting point to talk with someone about seeking help for the symptoms that are causing you to feel stressed.
Self-assessment tools can be an effective method of determining whether your child or you might have symptoms that indicate ADHD, the only way to receive a diagnosis is through an evaluation and consultation with a specialist in the field. They will review the symptoms of your child or yourself and ask you questions about your daily routine and family history as well as medical and mental health history. They will also use checklists or rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also do a physical exam 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 must be present in at least two settings such as school and your home, or in social situations. They must also significantly affect your everyday functioning. They must have been present for at least six months and not be a better explanation for another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for adults and teens is a bit different. They must consistently demonstrate just five of the seven inattentive and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADHD. It's important that your provider is aware of your past when making a diagnosis and before choosing the most appropriate treatment strategy.
It's also important that the person you choose to work with has experience and expertise working with adults who have ADHD. Many adults who have symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. It's beneficial to inquire about their experience and training before you make an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment due to a negative stigma associated with the condition. Research has proven that adult ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms can negatively impact quality of life.
Experts recommend a combination non-medication methods, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also recommend educational support. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of a person's life will be addressed which will enable them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Talk therapy with an individual is an essential component of healing. Talk therapy can be utilized to aid people with stress and improve their relationships and develop coping strategies. It can help people understand and control impulsive behaviors 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.
Behavioral therapy is a method to instruct parents and family members how to manage children's ADHD symptoms. In sessions, therapists will instruct parents and family members how to establish expectations and reward positive behaviors. They can teach parents to eliminate distractions from their child's work area and make it more comfortable to allow them to concentrate on their homework or tasks.
There are a myriad of self-management strategies that can be taught in therapy, such as time management and organizational skills, and self-care practices like exercise and eating a balanced diet. These tools can be especially useful for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Medication is a very effective treatment for some people suffering from ADHD. The medications work by decreasing the activity in certain regions of the brain which regulate impulse control. This allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are many different medicines available for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, and nonstimulants like quetiapine, atomoxetine, and bupropion. Melatonin is also sold as an over-the-counter oral medication.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment There are a number of experimental therapies for managing ADHD. One study showed that a tiny electrical device known as Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending short bursts of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
While a diagnosis of ADHD may come as an elation, it could also lead to a new set of questions. It's normal for adults to want to understand how their symptoms affect them and what they can do to manage their lives. There are numerous resources for free available.
Adults with ADHD, and their families, can seek support through support groups to help deal with the challenges of the disorder. Many of these groups help people connect to others who can relate, offer guidance, or offer emotional support. A lot of these groups focus on specific topics, such as problems with parenting and work.
Online resources can also be a great resource for those suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment can help people determine if their issues are connected to ADHD. They typically consist of an assessment with items that are commonly experienced by adults suffering from ADHD. However, they can't be used as a substitute for professional assessment.
In addition to a wide array of online sources, there are numerous local and national support groups available for those with ADHD. They are usually run by mental healthcare professionals who specialize in ADHD. They can provide a safe environment to discuss issues, symptoms and solutions.
Doctors can offer a lot of assistance and support to parents of children with ADHD. They can also be trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can teach their children. Parents usually go to 8-16 sessions with a therapist and practice these techniques in between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, start by contacting your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able to suggest a particular group or recommend you to one. Make sure you attend some of the meetings to make sure that the group's tone is appropriate for you. Also, be careful of sharing too much personal information. Be aware that most forums and online support groups allow anyone to post information. This advice is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.