How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspect they may have ADHD, you should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. Insurance can cover a comprehensive evaluation by a certified healthcare professional, making it more affordable than paying for it out of pocket.
This free tool does NOT give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a physician or mental health professional can assess and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD are likely to have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, life and relationships. It is important to note that not all suffer from the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet can mask symptoms. It is essential that a trained healthcare provider conducts an assessment to diagnose and determine the most effective treatment.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine how many of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience regularly, such as:
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g. television, a chat with a companion, or the noises of traffic outside the window).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at school or work (e.g. fails to submit an assignment, loses work materials, or doesn't check in with the supervisor).
Shows frequent trouble waiting for his or her turn in games or conversations. Answers questions before they've been fully asked. Often avoids, dislikes or is hesitant to do tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework for older teens and adults, writing reports or documents, reviewing papers).
Are having difficulty in keeping track of time or comprehending complex schedules or changes in them.
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first level relative.
People suffering from ADHD often have other disorders such as mood disorders or sleep issues, which result in similar symptoms. A health care provider may review the person's past physical and mental health, including mood. They may also ask about current and past medications. They also will look at the patient's present or, if they are an adult, their childhood behavior and school experiences. Health care providers can often get this information with the patient's permission by talking to colleagues and friends, as well as by reviewing early school report cards or other educational records. Health care professionals will also check to see if the person is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health strategies" to help treat ADHD. These strategies haven't been proven scientifically to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you're likely to lose your keys, have trouble keeping up in school or at work, or have difficulty remembering appointments, you may be told by family or friends family members that you suffer from ADHD. These kinds of comments are easy to laugh off every now and then however if you believe that your apathy and lack of organization are getting out of control it's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health to discuss. This is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start the conversation about seeking assistance for any symptoms that can disrupt your life.
While self-assessment tools are useful in determining whether you or your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD, the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is through a consultation and evaluation with an expert in the field. They will examine the symptoms of your child or yourself and will ask you questions about your daily routine as well as your family's history and medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales or checklists to evaluate your symptoms. assessment adhd will also conduct a physical exam to rule out possible causes for your symptoms.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. Your symptoms must be present in at least two different settings, such as school and your home, or in social situations. They must also substantially affect your everyday functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be a better explanation for another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
The criteria for older teens and adults is slightly different. To be considered to have ADHD it is necessary to consistently show five of the seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms. It's important that your provider knows your personal history in determining a diagnosis and before deciding on the best treatment strategy.
It is also essential that your provider has training and expertise working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. Find out about their experience and education before scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD do not seek treatment due to a negative stigma associated with the condition. However, research conducted by scientists has proved that adult ADHD is real and that untreated symptoms can affect quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication methods, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also recommend education assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the individual's life will be addressed which will enable them to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Talk therapy with an individual is a vital component of healing. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships, and develop strategies for coping. It can also help individuals recognize and manage their impulsive behavior and learn to organize and manage money and time more effectively. These treatments can be provided in person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a great method of teaching parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. In sessions where a therapist teaches families how to establish clear expectations and offer rewards for good behavior. They can teach parents to eliminate distractions from their child's work area and make it more comfortable for them to concentrate on their work or assignments.
In therapy, you could teach self-management skills such as time management and organizational skills as well as self-care techniques such eating healthy and exercising. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Some people with ADHD are able to be treated with medication. The drugs work by reducing the activity in specific regions of the brain that control impulse control, which allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are many different medicines that can be prescribed for ADHD that include stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines; nonstimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which can be available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
There are also a few experiments to treat ADHD as well as the use of pharmacological treatments. 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 pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nervous system, which transports sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief but it can also raise a lot of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more information on how their symptoms impact them and what they can manage. There are many free resources available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their loved ones can turn to support groups to help navigate the difficulties that come with the disorder. A lot of these groups are designed to assist people in connecting with other people who can relate to their own experiences provide advice, and provide emotional assistance. Additionally, a lot of these groups are focused on specific topics like workplace issues, parenting struggles and the unique challenges women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can be an invaluable resource for people who suffer from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their issues are connected to ADHD. They usually come with a questionnaire that includes items that are common to adults suffering from ADHD. However, they cannot serve as a substitute for a professional assessment.
In addition to a wide array of online sources, there are numerous local and national support groups for those with ADHD. These groups are usually led by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD and can offer an environment where people can discuss symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Doctors can provide a great deal of assistance and support parents of children who suffer from ADHD. They can also receive training in behavioral strategies that they can impart to their children. Parents usually go to 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these techniques in between sessions.
Talk to your mental health care provider or healthcare provider if you are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They might be able to recommend a specific group or refer you to one. Also, make sure you attend a few meetings prior to you join to make sure that the atmosphere is suitable for you. Also, be careful of sharing excessive personal information. Be aware that many forums and online support groups allow anyone to post information. This advice is not regulated and may not align with medical practices.