How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to seek out a professional assessment and diagnosis. Insurance can cover a comprehensive examination by a qualified healthcare professional, making it more affordable than paying for it out of the pocket.
This free tool cannot give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a physician or mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms affect the person's life, work or their relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone has the same symptoms. Stress or diet can mask symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial that a certified health professional conducts a full assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and determine effective treatments.
A professional will use a series of questions to determine the severity of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience regularly, such as:
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 school or work (e.g. is late in submitting the report, loses work supplies or fails to make contact with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting to be the next in conversations or games. Infrequently, they will blurt out answers before the question has been fully asked. Avoids, is averse to or is reluctant to do tasks that require a lot of mental efforts (e.g. schoolwork or homework for teenagers and adult, preparing reports or documents, or examining papers).
It is often difficult to keep track of time or making sense of the changing or complex schedules (e.g. often misses appointments or falls behind on work or household obligations).
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first level relative.
It is common for people with ADHD to have other health issues or disorders like sleep and mood issues, which result in similar symptoms. A health professional will examine the patient's physical and mental health history, including mood, and may ask about past and current medications. They also will look at the person's current or, if an adult, childhood behavior and school experiences. Health care professionals can usually collect this information with the patient's permission by talking to colleagues and friends, as well as by looking over early school report cards or other records of education. Health care professionals will also check to see if the person is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health approaches" to help with ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're likely to lose your keys, are struggling to keep up at school or at work, or have difficulty remembering appointments, then you may be told by family or friends family members that you suffer from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments every now and then. But if your forgetfulness and lack of organization seem to be getting out of control it could be an appropriate time to seek out an expert in mental health. This is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start the conversation about seeking help for symptoms that are disruptive to your daily life.
Self-assessment can be a useful tool to determine if you or your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD. However an expert can only diagnose the problem following an appointment. They will review your child's or your own's symptoms, and interview you about your lifestyle, family history, and medical and mental health history. They will use checklists and rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also do physical examinations to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your provider will look at the American Association for Psychiatric Research's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To qualify as having ADHD your symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings, like home and school or social situations and seriously affect your or your child's daily functioning. self assessment adhd test must be present for at minimum six months, and not be better explained by another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
For adults or older teens, the criteria is slightly different. They must consistently demonstrate just five of the seven inattentive or impulsive signs to be diagnosed with ADHD. When deciding on the best treatment plan, it's essential that your doctor is aware of your past.
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. It is helpful to inquire about their experience and training before you make an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD aren't seeking treatment because of the stigma associated with the condition. However, scientific research has confirmed that adult ADHD does exist and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact quality of life.
Experts recommend a combination non-medication methods, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also suggest educational support. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life are addressed, allowing them to navigate the challenges of ADHD more effectively.
Talk therapy with an individual is a crucial element of healing. Talk therapy can be used to aid people with stress and improve their relationships and develop coping strategies. 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 either in person or via an online counseling program such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be used to teach parents and other family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In sessions where a therapist teaches families how to set clear expectations and reward for good behavior. They can help parents get rid of distractions from their child's area of work and make it easier for them to concentrate on their work or homework.
In therapy, you can teach self-management skills such as time management and organizational skills, as well as self-care methods like eating healthy and exercising. These tools are particularly helpful for children with ADHD who have difficulty at school.
Some people with ADHD can be treated effectively with medication. The medications reduce activity in certain areas of the brain that regulate impulse control. This helps people concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of different medications that are prescribed for ADHD which include stimulants such as Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and melatonin. It is available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
There are also a few experiments to treat ADHD in addition to pharmaceutical treatment. One study revealed that a tiny electrical device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It operates by sending electrical pulses of gentleness to the trigeminal nerve system, which transmits sensations from the head and face to your brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD can be relief, it can also bring up a new set of questions. It's normal for adults to want more details about the way their symptoms affect them and what they are able to manage. The good news is that there's a a variety of free resources available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their loved ones can seek out support groups for assistance in navigating the challenges that come along with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect with others who can help, provide guidance, or offer emotional support. A lot of these groups focus on specific topics, such as problems with parenting and work.
Online resources are also an invaluable resource for people who suffer from ADHD. Self-assessment tools are a great way to determine whether or not their symptoms may be related to ADHD. They typically include an assessment that contains items that are common to people with ADHD. However, they cannot serve as a substitute for professional assessment.
In addition to a range of online resources, there are several local and national support groups available for those suffering from ADHD. These groups are often led by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD and can offer an opportunity to talk about the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also get lots of assistance and guidance from their doctors. In addition to prescribing medication, they can also be trained to implement strategies for managing behavior and teach the strategies to their children. Parents typically attend between 8 and 16 sessions with a therapist. They also practice these strategies between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, start by calling your mental health professional or healthcare professional. They may be able to recommend a specific group or recommend you to one. Be sure to observe a few meetings before you join to make sure that the atmosphere is suitable for you. Be wary of sharing any personal information. Also, be aware that many forums and online support groups allow anyone to post advice. This information is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.