How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspects they have ADHD, you should get a professional diagnosis and evaluation. 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 does not provide any diagnosis. Only a medical professional or a mental health professional is able to evaluate and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms affect the person's life, work or relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not all people will experience the same symptoms. Stress or diet can mask symptoms. It is important that a trained healthcare provider completes an assessment to accurately diagnose and identify effective treatment.
A specialist will ask you a series of questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you are experiencing on a daily basis.
Can easily be distracted by other stimuli (e.g., TV, a chat with a friend, or the noises of traffic outside the window).
Does not follow through on assignments or tasks at school or in work (e.g., forgets to submit a report, loses work materials, or doesn't follow up with supervisor).
Shows frequent trouble waiting for his or his or her turn in games or conversations. Answers questions before they've been fully asked. Most often, he avoids, or dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework for older teens and adults, writing documents or reports, examining papers).
It is often difficult to keep the track of time or understanding the changing or complex schedules (e.g. frequently fails to make appointments or is late on household or work obligations).
The person has a first-degree family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD.
It is common for those with ADHD to suffer from other health issues or disorders such as sleep and mood issues, which can cause similar symptoms. A health professional will review the person's mental and physical health history, including mood and may inquire about previous and current medications. They also will look into the person's early years or when they are an adult, their present behavior. The health care provider can get this information by asking coworkers and friends for their opinions, or by reviewing early school documents and other records of education. Additionally, health care experts will determine if the person uses psychostimulants or other "complementary" health treatments to help with their ADHD. These methods have not been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you're likely to lose your keys, have trouble keeping up at school or at work, or have 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 for a few times however 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 an instrument for diagnosing but it is a great way to start a conversation about getting help for issues that can disrupt your daily routine.
Self-assessment is a good method to determine if you or your child have symptoms that indicate ADHD. However the specialist can only diagnose the problem after a consultation. They will examine your child's or your own's symptoms and will ask you questions about your life, family history, and medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize checklists or rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will examine the American Association for Psychiatric Research's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To be considered to have ADHD your symptoms must be evident in more than one setting, like home and school or social situations, and significantly interfere with your child's or yours's daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months and not be a better explanation for another disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
For adults or older teens the criteria are slightly different. They must demonstrate consistently five of the seven inattentive and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. It's crucial that your physician understands your history in determining a diagnosis and choosing the most appropriate treatment strategy.
It is also essential that your provider has a degree and expertise working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults who have symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. It's helpful to ask about their training and experience before you make an appointment.
Treatment
Many people with ADHD do not seek treatment because of the stigma that surrounds the condition. However, research conducted by scientists has proven that adults with ADHD exists and that untreated symptoms can affect the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Experts recommend a combination of non-medication strategies, including therapies, lifestyle modifications and support for education. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a person's life are addressed which allows them to deal with the challenges of ADHD more effectively.
Talk therapy with a person is an essential component of healing. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships, and develop strategies for coping. It can also help individuals to understand and control their impulsive behavior as well as learn how to organize and manage time and money more efficiently. These therapies can be delivered in person or through an online counseling program like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a method to teach parents and other family members how to manage children's ADHD symptoms. During therapy sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behaviors. They can help parents remove distractions from their child's workspace and make it more comfortable for them to focus on their work or assignments.
There are also a variety of self-management strategies that can be taught in therapy, including organizational and time management skills, and self-care practices like exercising and eating a healthy diet. These tools are especially useful for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Medication is a very effective treatment for people suffering from ADHD. The drugs work by reducing the activity in certain regions of the brain that regulate impulse control. This allows people to focus and concentrate. There are a variety of different medicines that can be prescribed for ADHD which include stimulants such as Adderall and amphetamines; nonstimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera), quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which is available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.
There are also a few experimental treatments for ADHD as well as the use of pharmacological treatments. In one study, a small electrical device known as Monarch eTNS, which is an electronic trigeminal neural stimulation - was found to reduce the symptoms of ADHD among children. It works by sending pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nervous system, which transmits the sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
While a diagnosis of ADHD may come as a relief, it can also open up a whole new set of questions. It's normal for adults to to understand how their symptoms impact 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 out support groups for help navigating the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many of these groups are designed to assist people in connecting with others who can relate to their experiences provide advice, and offer emotional support. A majority of these groups focus on specific topics like problems with parenting and work.
Online resources can be a great resource for those suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools are a great way to identify whether or not their symptoms may be related to ADHD. adhd assessment cost uk include a questionnaire with items commonly encountered by adults with ADHD. They can't replace an evaluation by a professional.
There are numerous local and national support groups for those who suffer from ADHD, in addition to the online resources. They are usually run by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD. They offer a safe space to discuss symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children suffering from ADHD can also receive plenty of assistance and guidance from their doctors. In addition to prescribing medication as well as providing support, they can also be trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach them to their children. Parents typically go to 8-16 sessions with a therapist and then practice these strategies between sessions.
If you're interested in joining an ADHD support group, begin by reaching out to your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able to recommend a specific group or refer you to one. Be sure to go to a few meetings before you join to make sure that the atmosphere is suitable for you. Be careful not to share any personal information. In addition, be aware that many forums and online support groups permit anyone to share advice. This information could not be regulated by medical practices and is not regulated.