How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they might have ADHD, you should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. Insurance may cover a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional which is less expensive than paying for it out of the pocket.
This free tool cannot offer a diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms interfere with a person's life, their work, or their relationships. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. Therefore, it is essential that a qualified health care provider completes a full assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and identify the most effective treatment options.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine the frequency of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience regularly for example:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, a conversation with a friend or the sounds outside the window).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at work or school (e.g. fails to submit the report, loses work materials, or doesn't check in with the supervisor).
Is often in trouble waiting for his or her turn in games or conversations. Infrequently, they will blurt out answers before the question has been fully asked. Most often, he avoids, or dislikes or is hesitant to engage in tasks that require a sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork, homework or for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports or documents, or reviewing papers).
It is often difficult to keep track of time or navigating complicated or shifting schedules (e.g., regularly misses appointments or is late in household or work obligations).
The person is a family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD.
It is normal for people with ADHD to suffer from other disorders or health conditions like sleep and mood problems, that produce similar symptoms. A health care provider may examine the person's previous mental and physical health, including mood. They may also ask about current and past medications. They also will look into the person's early years or when they are an adult, their present behavior. Health care professionals can usually get this information with the patient's permission by speaking to colleagues and friends, and by reviewing school report cards or other educational records. Additionally, health care experts will determine if the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary" methods to treat their ADHD. These strategies haven't been proven scientifically to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you're likely to lose your keys, struggle to keep up in school or at work, or are having trouble remembering appointments, you may be told by friends or family members that you suffer from ADHD. These types of comments are easy to laugh off once or twice, but if you feel that your forgetfulness and disorganization are becoming out of hand, it's worth seeing a mental health professional about. This isn't a diagnostic tool, but it's a great place to start a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are causing you to feel stressed.
Self-assessment tools can be a good way to identify whether you or your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD, the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is to have a consultation and evaluation with an expert in the field. They will examine your child's or your own's symptoms and ask you questions about your daily routine and family history as well as medical and psychiatric history. They will use checklists and rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They will also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other possible reasons for your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will look at the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms must be present in at least two environments, such as school and your home, or in social situations. They also must substantially affect your the daily activities. They must be present for at minimum six months, and not be better explained by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
For older teens or adults the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. To be diagnosed with ADHD, they must consistently show five out of seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms. It's important that your provider understands your history when making a diagnosis and before selecting the best treatment plan.
It's important that your provider is certified and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD are referred to an accredited professional counselor or therapist. It's helpful to ask about their experience and training prior to scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD do not seek treatment because of the stigma associated with the condition. The results of scientific research have confirmed that adults with ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms can adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies, such as therapy and lifestyle changes. They also suggest educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life are addressed which allows them to deal with the challenges of ADHD more effectively.
Talk therapy with an individual is an essential part of the healing process. The use of talk therapy is to aid people with stress, improve their relationships, and develop coping strategies. 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 via an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is an excellent method of teaching parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. During sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also instruct parents to eliminate distractions and make their child's space more comfortable, allowing them to focus on homework or tasks.
There is also a range of self-management methods 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 techniques can be particularly useful for children with ADHD who have difficulty at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be treated effectively by taking medication. Medications work by decreasing the activity in specific regions of the brain that regulate impulse control, which allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of different medicines that can be prescribed for ADHD which include stimulants such as Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which is available over the counter as an oral supplement.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment there are also alternative therapies to manage ADHD. One study showed that a small device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It operates by sending gentle electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve system, which transmits the sensations from the head and face to your brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it can also bring up a lot of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more information about the way their symptoms affect them and what they can do to manage. The good news is that there's a a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD and their loved ones are able to seek out support through support groups to help overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. Many of these groups assist people connect with others who can help, provide guidance, or offer emotional assistance. A lot of these groups focus on specific issues, such as workplace issues and parenting struggles.
Online resources are also an invaluable resource for people who suffer from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their issues are connected to ADHD. They typically include a questionnaire that includes items that are typical of adults with ADHD. They can't replace a professional evaluation.
There are many local and national support groups for those with ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD. They provide a safe environment to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD are also able to receive lots of assistance and support from their doctors. They can also be trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can teach to their children. how to get a adhd assessment attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these strategies between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, begin by reaching out to your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able to recommend a specific group or recommend you to one. Make sure you attend a few meetings to ensure that the tone of the group is appropriate for you. Be wary of sharing excessive personal information. Be aware that anyone can share advice on a variety of forums and online support group. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not be in line with medical practices.