How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspects they might have ADHD, you should seek professional diagnosis and assessment. A thorough evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional is covered by insurance, which makes 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 provider can assess and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is identified when the symptoms are affecting the life of a person, their work or their relationships. However, it is important to note that not all suffer from the same set of symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised by diet or stress for instance. It is important that a qualified healthcare professional conducts an assessment to determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter frequently for example:
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g. television, a conversation with a friend, or the sound of traffic outside).
Isn't able to complete tasks or assignments at school or in work (e.g. you forget to turn in the report, misplaces work materials, or doesn't follow up with supervisor).
Has difficulties waiting for his or her turn in games or conversations. Sometimes, they blurt out answers before the question has been fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is reluctant to do tasks that require a lot of mental effort (e.g. homework or schoolwork for adolescents older than adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).
Is having trouble in keeping track of time or understanding complex or changing schedules.
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first level relative.
get adhd assessment suffering from ADHD often have other disorders such as mood disorders or sleep disorders, which cause similar symptoms. A health care provider may examine the person's previous physical and mental health, including mood. They can also inquire about the current and previous medications. They will also look at the patient's present or, if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. The health professional can get this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinion, or by studying early school documents and other educational records. Health professionals also look to see if the person is using psychostimulants, or any other "complementary health approaches" to help with ADHD. These approaches are not scientifically proven to help improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to losing your keys, are struggling to keep up with school or work, or are having trouble remembering appointments, then you may be told by friends or family that you have ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments every now and then. However, if your reluctance and apathy are becoming more and more frequent and you're not sure if it's an appropriate time to seek out a mental health professional. This isn't an instrument for diagnosing but it is a great way to begin the discussion about seeking help for symptoms that can disrupt your daily routine.
Self-assessment tools can be useful in determining whether you or your child might have symptoms that indicate ADHD The only way to obtain a diagnosis is through a consultation and evaluation with an expert in the field. They will discuss the symptoms of your child or yourself and ask you questions about your daily routine and family history as well as medical and psychosis history. They will use checklists and rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will examine the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms must be evident in at least two environments like school, at home, or in social settings. They must also significantly affect your everyday functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
The criteria for adults and older teens differs slightly. They must consistently demonstrate just five of the seven inattention and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. It's important that your provider is aware of your past when determining the diagnosis and when choosing the most appropriate treatment plan.
It's important that your provider is certified and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults who exhibit symptoms of ADHD are referred to a licensed professional therapist or counselor. Find out about their experience and training before scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment due to the stigma associated with the condition. However, scientific research has proven that adult ADHD exists and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact quality of life.
Experts recommend a combination of non-medication strategies including therapy, lifestyle modifications and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life are addressed and will allow them to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Talk therapy with an individual is a crucial part of the healing process. Talk therapy can be used to aid people with stress and improve their relationships and develop coping strategies. It can also assist people to understand and control their impulsive behavior and learn how to manage money and time more effectively. These treatments can be provided in person or through an online counseling program such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a fantastic method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. In sessions, therapists will teach parents and family members how to establish expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also instruct parents how to remove distractions and make their child's workspace more comfortable, allowing them to concentrate on their work or assignments.
In therapy, you could teach self-management skills such as time management and organizational skills and self-care strategies like eating a healthy diet and exercising. These tools can be especially beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who have difficulty at school.
The use of medication is a successful treatment for some people with ADHD. The medications work by decreasing activity in certain areas of the brain that control impulse control. This helps people concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of different medications that are prescribed for ADHD, including stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which is available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
In addition to pharmacological treatments There are a number of alternative therapies to manage ADHD. One study found that a small 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 nervous system, which carries sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief but it also brings up many questions. It's natural for adults to want more details about how their symptoms affect them and what they are able to manage. The good thing is that there's numerous resources for free available.
Adults with ADHD and their loved ones can seek out support groups to help navigate the challenges that come along with the disorder. Many of these groups help people connect to others who can help, provide guidance, or offer emotional assistance. Many of these groups also concentrate on specific subjects like problems with parenting and work.
Online resources can be a great resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their symptoms may be caused by ADHD. They typically consist of a questionnaire with items that are commonly experienced by people with ADHD. However, they are not able to serve as a replacement for a professional assessment.
In addition to a range of online sources, there are several local and national support groups available for those with ADHD. 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 plenty of assistance and guidance from their doctors. They are also trained in strategies for managing behavior that they can teach their children. Parents usually attend 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these techniques 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 sign up to ensure that the tone is right for you. Be careful not to disclose any personal information. Be aware that anyone can post advice on many forums and online support groups. This information is not regulated and may not align with medical practices.