How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's important to seek professional assessment and diagnosis. A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is covered by insurance, making it more affordable than paying out-of-pocket.
This free tool cannot provide an assessment or diagnosis. Only a doctor or a 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, lives, and relationships. It is important to remember that not everyone will have the same symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. It is therefore essential that a certified health care professional performs an exhaustive assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and identify effective treatments.
A professional will ask a series of questions to determine the frequency of the nine ADHD symptoms you have to deal with on a regular basis for example:
Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (e.g. TV, a chat with a companion, or the noises of traffic outside the window).
Follows through on tasks and assignments at school or work (e.g. forgets to submit a report, misplaces work materials or does not check in with the supervisor).
Is often in difficulty waiting for his or his or her turn in conversations or games. Answers questions before they've been fully asked. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require a sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework or for older adolescents and adults, writing documents or reports, examining papers).
Are having difficulty keeping track of time or understanding complicated or changing schedules.
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first degree relative.
People suffering from ADHD often have other disorders, such as mood or sleep issues that can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional will examine the patient's mental and physical health history, including mood and will ask about any past and current medications. They also will look into the person's childhood or, if an adult, present behavior. The health professional can obtain this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinions, or reviewing early school documents and other educational records. Health professionals also check to see if the person is using psychostimulants, or any other "complementary health approaches" to help treat ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to losing your keys, struggle to keep up in school or at work, or have difficulty remembering appointments, then you may be told by your friends or family members that you're suffering from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments every now and then. If your lack of attention and apathy are getting out of hand, it may be time to consult a mental health professional. This is not a diagnostic tool but it is a great way to begin the conversation about seeking assistance for any symptoms that are disruptive to your daily life.
While self-assessment tools are useful in determining whether 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 a specialist in the field. They will evaluate your child's or your own symptoms and ask you questions about your lifestyle as well as your family history, and your mental and medical history. They will also utilize checklists or rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They may also conduct a physical exam to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your physician will examine the American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms have to manifest in more than one setting, like home and school or social situations and seriously affect your or your child's daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months and not be explained better by another condition, like depression or anxiety.
The criteria for adults and teens is slightly different. They must show consistently five of the seven inattentive and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADHD. When choosing the best treatment plan, it's vital that your doctor knows your medical history.
It's also crucial that your provider has training and expertise working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD prefer working with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. Find out about their training and experience before scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people suffering from ADHD aren't seeking treatment due to the stigma attached to the condition. Research has proven that adults with ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms could adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also recommend educational support. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's life are addressed and allows them to face the challenges of their ADHD more effectively.
Individual talk therapy is an important part of the treatment process. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships and improve their the ability to cope. It helps people understand and control impulsive behaviors and learn to manage their time and money better. These therapies can be offered in person or through an online counseling service like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be used to teach parents and family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. During sessions where a therapist teaches families how to establish clear expectations and provide rewards for positive behaviors. They can help parents eliminate distractions from their child's work area and make it more comfortable for them to focus on their work or assignments.
There are also a variety of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, such as time and organization skills, as well as self-care practices like exercising and eating a healthy diet. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD are able to be treated with medication. Medications work by decreasing the activity in certain areas of the brain that regulate impulse control, which enables people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a number of different medications that can be prescribed for ADHD that include stimulants, such as Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and melatonin, which can be available over-the-counter as an oral supplement.
In addition to pharmacological treatments There are a number of experimental therapies for managing ADHD. One study found that a small electrical device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending electrical pulses of gentleness to the trigeminal nervous system, which transmits sensory signals from the face and head to the brain.
Support
While a diagnosis of ADHD could be relief, it can also bring up a new set of questions. It's natural for adults to seek out more information on how their symptoms affect them and what they can manage. The good news is that there's a numerous resources for free available.
Adults with ADHD, and their families can seek help through support groups to help them navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect with other people who can share their experiences, provide guidance, or offer emotional support. In addition, many of these groups are focused on specific topics like work-related issues, parenting struggles and the unique challenges that women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can be an invaluable resource for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine if their symptoms could be caused by ADHD. They typically consist of an assessment with items commonly encountered by people with ADHD. However, adhd assessment for women can't be used as a substitute for professional assessment.
There are many local and national support groups for those who suffer from ADHD, in addition to the online resources. These groups are often led by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD and provide an opportunity to talk about issues, symptoms and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also get plenty of assistance and support from their doctors. In addition to prescribing medication and assisting with treatment, they are also trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach these to their children. Parents typically attend between 8 and 16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these strategies between sessions.
Contact your mental health provider or your healthcare provider if you are looking to join a support group for ADHD. They may be able to suggest an organization or refer you to a particular one. Be sure to attend at least a few meetings to ensure that the tone of the group is appropriate for you. Be cautious about sharing excessive personal information. Be aware that most forums and online support groups permit anyone to post information. The advice you post may not be subject to medical practice regulations and is not subject to regulation.