How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's important to seek a professional assessment and diagnosis. Insurance can cover a comprehensive examination by a qualified healthcare professional and is therefore less expensive than paying for it out of your pocket.
This tool is free and does not give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a physician or mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD are likely to have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, lives and relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone has the same symptoms. Stress or diet may mask symptoms. Therefore, it is essential that a qualified health professional conducts an entire assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and determine effective treatments.
A professional will employ a series of questions to determine the frequency of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience regularly, such as:
Can easily be distracted by other stimuli (e.g., TV, a chat with a friend, or the noises of traffic outside).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at school or work (e.g. is late in submitting an assignment, loses work materials or does not make contact with the supervisor).
Has a difficult time waiting for their turn in a game or conversation. Frequently blurts out answers before the question has been fully asked. Sometimes, they avoid, do not like or is unwilling to do tasks that require a sustained mental effort (e.g. schoolwork or homework or for older adolescents and adults, writing reports or documents, reviewing papers).
Often has trouble keeping the track of time or making sense of complex or changing schedules (e.g., regularly misses appointments or is late on household or work obligations).
The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first degree relative.
It is normal for people with ADHD to have other disorders or health conditions like sleep and mood issues, which can produce similar symptoms. A healthcare professional may examine the person's previous mental and physical health including mood. They may also ask about current and past medications. They will also look at the patient's current or, if an adult, childhood behavior and school experiences. The health care provider can find this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinions, or looking at early school documents and other educational records. In addition health professionals will look at whether the patient is taking 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 prone to losing your keys, are struggling to keep up with school or work, or have difficulty remembering appointments, you might be told by your friends or family members that you suffer from ADHD. These kinds of remarks are easy to laugh off for a few times, but if you feel that your apathy and lack of organization are getting out of control it's a good idea to consult an expert in mental health for. This isn't a diagnostic tool but it's a good opportunity to begin a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are disrupting your life.
While self-assessment tools are an effective method of determining whether your child may have signs 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 examine the symptoms of your child or yourself, and interview you about your life as well as your family's history and medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales or checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also do a physical exam to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. To qualify as having ADHD your symptoms must be evident in more than one setting such as school and home or social situations and seriously affect your or your child's daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months and not be a better explanation for another condition, like anxiety or depression.
For older teens or adults the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. To be considered to have ADHD, they must consistently show five out of seven symptoms of impulsivity or inattention. It's crucial that your physician is aware of your past in determining a diagnosis and choosing the most appropriate treatment strategy.
It's crucial that your provider is certified and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. You should inquire about their training and experience before scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD avoid treatment due to a negative stigma associated with the condition. Research has proven that adult ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms could adversely affect the quality of life.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, including therapy, lifestyle changes and support for education. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life will be addressed which will enable them to more effectively navigate the difficulties of ADHD.
Individual talk therapy is a crucial part of the treatment process. Talk therapy can be utilized to help people manage stress and improve their relationships and develop strategies for coping. It can help people understand and control their impulsive behavior, 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 instruct parents and family members how to better manage children's ADHD symptoms. During why are adhd assessments so expensive where a therapist teaches families how to establish clear expectations and reward for good behavior. They can teach parents to eliminate distractions from their child's work area and make it more comfortable for them to concentrate on their work or assignments.
There is also a range of self-management techniques that can be taught in therapy, including time management and organizational techniques, as well as self-care routines such as exercise and eating a healthy diet. These tools are especially useful for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.
The use of medication is a successful treatment for some people suffering from ADHD. The drugs work by reducing the activity in certain areas of the brain that regulate impulse control, allowing people to focus and pay attention. There are a number of different medications that can be prescribed for ADHD that include stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines; nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as 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 alternative therapies to manage ADHD. In one study, a small electrical device known as Monarch eTNS - electronic trigeminal neural stimulation was found to lessen the symptoms of ADHD among children. It works by sending pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve, which transports sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD could be a relief, it can also open up a whole new set of questions. It's normal for adults to want to understand how their symptoms affect them and what they can do to better manage their lives. The good news is that there are numerous resources for free available.
Adults with ADHD and their loved ones can seek help through support groups to help navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many of these groups help people connect with others who can relate, offer guidance, or offer emotional assistance. Additionally, many of these groups are focused on specific topics like problems at work, parenting issues and the unique challenges that women with ADHD face.
Online resources can be an invaluable resource for people who suffer from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine if their symptoms may be connected to ADHD. They usually include an assessment with items commonly encountered by people with ADHD. They can't replace a professional evaluation.
There are numerous local and national support groups for those with ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are usually led by mental healthcare experts who specialize in ADHD. They can provide a safe environment 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 medications as well as providing support, they can also be trained to implement behavioral strategies and teach these to their children. Parents usually go to 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist. They also practice using these techniques between sessions.
If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, begin by reaching out to your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They might be able to recommend a group or refer you to a particular one. Also, be sure to observe a few meetings before you sign up to ensure that the atmosphere is suitable for you. Be wary of sharing excessive personal information. Be aware that the majority of forums and online support groups permit anyone to post advice. This advice is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.