How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to seek professional assessment and diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is covered by insurance, making it more affordable than paying 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 symptoms that interfere with their work, life and relationships. It is important to note that not all suffer from the same set of symptoms. Some symptoms may be concealed due to stress or diet for instance. It is therefore essential that a trained health care provider completes an entire assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment options.
A specialist will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience every day.
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 projects at school or work (e.g. fails to submit a report, misplaces work materials or does not communicate with the supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting for their turn in a game or conversation. Sometimes, they blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Often avoids, dislikes or is hesitant to do tasks that require a sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports or documents, or reviewing papers).
Sometimes, it is difficult to keep track of time or understanding the changing or complex schedules (e.g., regularly misses appointments or is late on work or household obligations).
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first grade relative.
getting an assessment for adhd is common for people with ADHD to suffer from other health conditions or disorders like sleep and mood issues, which can result in similar symptoms. A health professional will look over the person's mental and physical health history, including mood, and will ask about any past and current medications. They also will look at the patient's current or, if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. The health care provider can obtain this information by asking coworkers and friends for their opinion, or by looking at early school documents and other educational records. Health professionals be able to determine whether the patient is using psychostimulants or other "complementary health treatments" to help treat ADHD. These methods have not been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to lose your keys, are struggling to keep up with school or work, or are having trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by friends or family members that you suffer from ADHD. These kinds of remarks are fun to laugh at every now and then, but if you feel that your forgetfulness and disorganization are getting out of control it's a good idea to consult a mental health professional about. This assessment is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to start a conversation about getting help for symptoms that disrupt your life.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine if you or your child might have symptoms that indicate ADHD. However the specialist is able to diagnose the condition following a consultation. They will assess your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your lifestyle and family history, mental and medical history. They will also utilize rating scales or checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to rule out other possible reasons 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 like school, your home, or in social situations. They also must substantially affect your the daily activities. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months and are not attributed to other conditions, like depression or anxiety.
The criteria for older teens and adults is slightly different. They must consistently demonstrate just five of the seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADHD. It is essential that your doctor knows your personal history when determining the diagnosis and before deciding on the best treatment strategy.
It's crucial that your provider is trained and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD have a licensed professional therapist or counselor. Find out about their training and experience before you schedule an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD aren't seeking treatment due to the stigma that surrounds the condition. However, research conducted by scientists has proven that adult ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms diminish quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication methods, including therapy and lifestyle modifications. They also recommend educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a person's life are addressed, allowing them to navigate the challenges of their ADHD more effectively.
Talk therapy with a person is an essential part of the healing process. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships and build coping skills. It can also help individuals recognize and manage their impulsive behavior as well as learn to organize and manage money and time more effectively. These therapies can be offered either in person or via an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be used to instruct parents and family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In therapy sessions the therapist will instruct families how to establish clear expectations and offer rewards for positive behavior. They can also teach parents how to remove distractions and make their child's space more comfortable so they can focus on homework or tasks.
There is also a range of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, including time management and organizational skills, and self-care practices such as exercise and eating a balanced diet. These tools are particularly useful for children with ADHD who have difficulty at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated by medication. The drugs work by reducing the activity in certain parts of the brain which regulate impulse control, which enables 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; nonstimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera), 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 pharmacological treatment. In one study, a tiny electronic device called Monarch eTNS - electronic trigeminal neuro stimulation was found to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. It operates by sending gentle electrical pulses to the trigeminal system, which transmits sensory signals from the head and face to your brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD can be relief, it can also lead to a new set of questions. It's normal for adults to to understand how their issues affect them and what they can do to manage their lives. The good news is that there are a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD and their families, can seek support through support groups to help overcome the challenges associated with the disorder. Many of these groups assist people connect to others who can help, provide advice, or provide emotional support. In addition, many of these groups are focused on issues such as problems at work, parenting issues, and the unique challenges women with ADHD face.
Online resources are also an excellent resource for those who suffer from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their symptoms may be caused by ADHD. These tools typically include a questionnaire with items that are commonly experienced by people with ADHD. They are not a substitute for an evaluation by a professional.
In addition to a variety of online resources, there are also a number of local and national support groups for people suffering from ADHD. These groups are typically led by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD. They provide a safe environment to discuss symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children who suffer from ADHD can also receive lots of assistance and guidance from their doctors. They are also trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can impart to their children. Parents usually attend 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these strategies in between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, start by contacting your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They might be able to suggest a particular group or refer you to one. Also, make sure you attend a few meetings prior to you sign up to ensure that the tone is appropriate for you. Be cautious not to divulge too much personal information. Be aware that anyone can post advice on many forums and online support groups. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not be in line with medical practices.