How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they have ADHD, you should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider can be covered by insurance, making it much cheaper than paying out of pocket.
This free tool does NOT give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health professional can assess and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD must have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, life, and relationships. However, it is important to remember that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Symptoms may be masked by diet or stress for instance. Therefore, it is essential that a qualified health care provider completes a full assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and identify effective treatments.
A trained professional will ask you a series of 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 companion, or the sounds of traffic outside).
Completes assignments and projects at school or work (e.g. is late in submitting the report, loses work materials or does not communicate with the supervisor).
Shows frequent difficulty waiting for his or her turn in games or conversations. Answers questions before they've been fully asked. Avoids, dislikes or is not willing to do tasks that require sustained mental efforts (e.g. homework or schoolwork, for older adolescents and adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).
Sometimes, it is difficult to keep track of time or navigating complex or changing schedules (e.g., regularly is late to appointments or is late on work or household obligations).
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first degree relative.
People with ADHD frequently have other conditions, such as mood or sleep issues that cause similar symptoms. A health care provider may review the person's past physical and mental health including mood. They can also inquire about current and past medications. They also will look into the person's childhood, or when they are an adult, their current behavior. Health care professionals can usually get this information with the consent of the patient through conversations with friends and coworkers, and by reviewing school report cards or other educational records. In addition, health care experts will determine if the person uses psychostimulants or other "complementary" health treatments to treat their 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 at school or at work, or have difficulty remembering appointments, you may be told by your friends or family that you have ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments once or twice. But if your forgetfulness and apathy are getting out of hand and you're not sure if it's an appropriate time to seek out an expert in mental health. This isn't a diagnosis tool, but it's a great place to start a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are causing you to feel stressed.
While self-assessment tools are an effective method of determining whether your child might have symptoms that indicate ADHD The only way to receive 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 symptoms and ask questions about your life and family history, your medical and psychiatric history. They will also use rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also do physical examinations to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms.
Your physician will employ the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. Your symptoms must be evident in at least two environments, such as school and home, or social situations. They must also substantially affect your everyday functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months and not be explained by other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
The criteria for older teens and adults is a bit different. They must demonstrate consistently five of the seven inattention or impulsive signs to be diagnosed as having ADHD. When deciding on the best treatment plan, it's crucial that your physician knows your medical history.
It's important that your provider is trained and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults who exhibit symptoms of ADHD are referred to an accredited professional counselor or therapist. Ask about their experience and education prior to scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people with ADHD aren't seeking treatment because of the stigma that surrounds the condition. However, scientific research has proved that adults with ADHD does exist and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle changes and educational support. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of the person's life are addressed, allowing him or her to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Individual talk therapy is a vital component of the treatment process. The use of talk therapy is to aid people with stress and improve their relationships and develop strategies for coping. It can also help people to understand and control their impulsive behavior and learn to manage time and money more effectively. These treatments can be provided in-person or via an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be utilized to instruct parents and family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In therapy sessions, a therapist will teach families how to establish clear expectations and reward for positive behaviors. They can help parents remove distractions from their child's workspace and make it easier for them to focus on their homework or tasks.
There are also a variety of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, including time and organization skills, and self-care practices such as exercise and eating a balanced diet. These tools are particularly useful for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Medication is an effective treatment for some people with ADHD. The drugs work by reducing the activity in certain areas of the brain that control impulse control, which enables people to concentrate and pay attention. There are I Am Psychiatry of medicines available for ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or amphetamines, and nonstimulants like atomoxetine, quitiapine, and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
In addition to pharmacological treatments there are also new therapies that are being tested to treat ADHD. In one study, a small electrical device known as Monarch eTNS - electronic trigeminal neural stimulation was found to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending gentle electrical impulses to the trigeminal nervous system, which transmits sensations from the face and head to your brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD can be a relief, it can also open up a whole new set of questions. It's normal for adults to to understand how their issues affect them and what they can do to improve their lives. There are numerous resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD, and their families, can seek support from support groups to help overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect with other people who can help, provide advice, or provide emotional assistance. Additionally, a lot of these groups are focused on issues such as problems at work, parenting issues and the unique challenges women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can be a useful source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine if their symptoms are related to ADHD. They usually include the questionnaire, which includes items that are typically experienced by people with ADHD. However, they are not able to serve as a replacement for a professional assessment.
There are numerous local and national support groups for people with ADHD as well as the online resources. They are usually run by mental healthcare specialists who specialize in ADHD. They provide a safe and secure environment to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also receive lots of assistance and guidance from their doctors. They can also receive training in strategies for managing behavior that they can teach their children. Parents usually go to 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and then practice these strategies between sessions.
Contact your mental health provider or healthcare provider if you are looking to join a support group for ADHD. They might be able to recommend an organization or suggest a specific one. Also, make sure you observe a few meetings before you join to make sure that the tone is appropriate for you. Be cautious about sharing too much 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 align with medical practices.