How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child suspects they may have ADHD, you should seek out a professional diagnosis and assessment. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional can be covered by insurance, making it more affordable than paying out-of-pocket.
This free tool does not provide any diagnosis. Only a doctor or a mental health professional is able to evaluate and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD must suffer from symptoms that affect their work, lives, and relationships. It is important to remember that not everyone has the same symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. It is essential that a qualified healthcare professional conducts an assessment to diagnose and identify effective treatment.
A professional will employ a series of questions to determine the frequency of the nine ADHD symptoms you have to deal with regularly, such as:
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, a conversation with a friend or the sound of the outside window).
Completes assignments and tasks at school or work (e.g. forgets to submit the report, loses work materials or does not make contact with the supervisor).
Shows frequent difficulty waiting for his or his or her turn in conversations or games. Sometimes, they blurt out answers before the question has been fully asked. Avoids, is averse to or is not willing to do tasks that require sustained mental efforts (e.g. homework or schoolwork, for older adolescents and adult, preparing reports or documents, or examining papers).
Often has trouble keeping track of time or understanding complex or changing schedules (e.g. often is late to appointments or is late on household or work obligations).
The person is a first-degree family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD.
People with ADHD typically have other issues, such as mood or sleep problems that can result in similar symptoms. A health care provider may examine the person's previous physical and mental health including mood. They can also inquire about any medications they have taken in the past and present. They also will look at the person's current or, if an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. The health care provider may find this information by asking coworkers and friends for their opinions, or by looking at early school records and other educational records. Health professionals also look to see whether the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary health strategies" to help with ADHD. These methods have not been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You may be told that you're suffering from ADHD when you're prone of losing your keys, having difficulty keeping up at work or at school or forgetting appointments. These types of comments are easy to laugh off every now and then however if you believe that your apathy and lack of organization are becoming out of hand, it's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health for. This isn't a diagnostic tool, but it's a good place to start a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are causing disruption to your life.
Self-assessment tools can be a good way to identify whether you or your child might have symptoms that indicate ADHD the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to have an evaluation and consultation with a specialist in the field. They will assess your child's or your own symptoms and ask you questions about your life and family history, your medical and psychiatric background. They will also utilize checklists or rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will review the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To be considered to have ADHD your symptoms have to manifest in two or more settings like school and home or social situations, and significantly interfere with your child's or yours's daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months and not be explained by other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
For adults or older teens the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to consistently show five out of seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms. It's important that your provider knows your personal history when determining the diagnosis and deciding on the best treatment strategy.
It is essential that the person you choose to consult with is trained and has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults who exhibit symptoms of ADHD work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. It's beneficial to inquire about their education and experience before you make an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek treatment due to a negative stigma that surrounds the condition. Scientific research has confirmed adults with ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms can negatively impact quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle modifications and support for education. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life will be addressed which will enable them to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Individual therapy for talk therapy is a crucial element of the treatment process. Talk therapy can be used to aid people with stress, improve their relationships, and develop coping strategies. It can also help people recognize and manage their impulsive behavior and learn to organize and manage time and money more efficiently. These therapies can be delivered in-person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is an excellent method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. In sessions where a therapist teaches families how to set clear expectations and offer rewards for good behavior. They can also instruct parents how to remove distractions and make their child's workspace more comfortable, so that they can focus on homework or tasks.
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 techniques can be particularly useful for children with ADHD who struggle at school.
Some people with ADHD are able to be treated with medication. The medications reduce activity in certain areas of the brain that regulate impulse control. This allows people to pay attention and focus. There are many different medications that are prescribed for ADHD that include stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera), quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin. It is available over the counter as an oral supplement.
In addition to pharmacological treatments There are a number of new therapies that are being tested to treat ADHD. One study showed that a tiny electrical device called Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending a series of 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 relief but it can also bring up a lot of questions. It's normal for adults to to understand how their symptoms impact them and what they can do to better manage their lives. There are numerous resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD and their loved ones can join support groups for help navigating the difficulties that come with the disorder. Many of these groups assist people connect to others who can help, provide guidance, or offer emotional support. Additionally, a lot of these groups are specifically focused on topics such as workplace issues, parenting struggles, and the unique challenges that women with ADHD confront.
Online resources are also an invaluable resource for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment can help people determine if their issues are connected to ADHD. They typically include an assessment that contains items that are typical of adults suffering from ADHD. However, they are not able to serve as a replacement for a professional assessment.
There are a variety of local and national support groups for people who suffer from ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are usually led by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD and can offer an opportunity to talk about issues, symptoms, and solutions.
Doctors can provide a great deal of support and help to parents of children with ADHD. They are also trained in strategies for managing behavior that they can teach to their children. CAMHS ADHD assessment UK attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and use these strategies in between sessions.
If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, start by calling your mental health professional or healthcare professional. They may be able suggest a specific group or refer you to one. Also, be sure to attend a few meetings prior to you join to make sure that the atmosphere is suitable for you. Be wary of sharing too much personal information. Be aware that many forums and online support groups allow anyone to post information. This information is not regulated and may not align with medical practices.