How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you or your child think they might have ADHD It is recommended that you seek out a professional diagnosis and assessment. Insurance can cover a comprehensive evaluation by a certified healthcare professional and is therefore cheaper than paying for it out of your pocket.
This tool is free and does not give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health professional can determine and diagnose ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms interfere with the person's life, work or relationships. It is important to remember that not all people will experience the same symptoms. Symptoms may be masked by stress or diet, for example. It is essential that a qualified healthcare professional conducts an assessment to determine the cause and recommend a treatment.
A professional will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you are experiencing on a daily basis.
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, having a conversation with a person or the sound outside the window).
Completes assignments and tasks at work or in school (e.g. forgets to submit a report, misplaces work materials or does not make contact with the supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting to be the next in conversations or games. Infrequently, they will blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is hesitant to take on tasks that require sustained mental efforts (e.g. homework or schoolwork for teenagers and adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).
Often has trouble keeping track of time or making sense of the changing or complex schedules (e.g. often is late to appointments or is late on work or household obligations).
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first level relative.
People suffering from ADHD often have other disorders such as mood disorders or sleep disorders, which result in similar symptoms. A healthcare professional will examine the patient's mental and physical health background, including mood, and will ask about any past and current medications. They also will look into the person's early years or in the case of an adult, present behavior. The health professional can obtain this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinion, or by reviewing early school documents and other educational records. Health professionals also look to see whether the patient is using psychostimulants, or other "complementary health treatments" to treat ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
You may be told you suffer from ADHD if you are prone to losing your keys, have difficulties keeping up with work or at school or if you forget appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks every now and then. If your lack of attention and disorganization seem to be getting out of control, it may be the time to talk to a mental health professional. This is not a diagnostic tool, but it's a great starting point to talk with someone about seeking help for symptoms that are disrupting your life.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine whether you or your child might have signs that indicate ADHD. However an expert is able to diagnose the condition after a consultation. They will examine your child's or your own's symptoms, and interview you about your daily routine and family history as well as medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales and checklists to evaluate your symptoms. adhd assessment uk will also conduct physical examinations to rule out possible causes for your symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will examine the American Psychiatric Association'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 or your child's daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months and not be explained better by other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
For older teens or adults, the criteria is slightly different. They must show consistently five of the seven inattention and/or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. When choosing a treatment plan, it's essential that your doctor knows your medical history.
It's also important that your provider has a degree and experience working with adults suffering from 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 prior to scheduling an appointment.
Treatment
Many people with ADHD do not seek treatment due to a negative stigma associated with the condition. However, scientific research has proved that adults with ADHD is real and that untreated symptoms can affect quality of life.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies including therapy, lifestyle changes and educational assistance. This holistic approach guarantees that all aspects of the person's life are addressed, allowing him or her to better navigate the challenges of ADHD.
Talk therapy with a person is a vital part of the healing process. Talk therapy can be used to assist people in managing stress, improve their relationships, and develop coping strategies. It can also help individuals understand and control their impulsive behavior as well as learn how to manage money and time more effectively. These treatments can be provided in person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a method to instruct parents and family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In sessions, therapists will teach parents and family members how to set expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also help parents eliminate distractions from their child's workspace and make it more comfortable to allow them to concentrate on their homework or tasks.
There is also a range of self-management techniques that can be taught in therapy, such as time and organization techniques, as well as self-care routines like exercise and eating a healthy diet. These tools are particularly useful for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.
Certain people suffering from ADHD can be effectively treated by medication. The drugs work by reducing activity in certain areas of the brain that control impulse control. This helps people focus and concentrate. There are a myriad of treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants like atomoxetine, quitiapine and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral medication.
In addition to the pharmacological treatment there are also alternative therapies to manage 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 gentle electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve system, which transmits sensory signals from the head and face to the brain.
Support
While being diagnosed with ADHD could be an elation, it could 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 improve their lives. There are a variety of free resources available.
Adults with ADHD and their families, can seek support through support groups to help deal with the challenges of the disorder. A lot of these groups are designed to assist people in connecting with others who can relate to their experiences as well as offer advice and offer emotional assistance. In addition, many of these groups are specifically focused on topics such as work-related issues, parenting struggles and the unique challenges women with ADHD confront.
Online resources can be a great source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help people determine if their symptoms are connected to ADHD. They usually include an assessment with items that are commonly experienced by people with ADHD. However, they are not able to serve as a substitute for professional assessment.
There are many local and national support groups for those with ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD and offer a safe space to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions.
Parents of children who suffer from ADHD are also able to receive a great deal of help and guidance from their doctors. They are also trained in behavioral strategies that they can teach their children. Parents usually attend sessions of 8-16 with a therapist, and practice these strategies in between sessions.
Contact your mental health professional or your healthcare provider if are looking to join a support group for ADHD. They may be able to suggest a group or refer you to a specific one. Make sure you attend a few meetings to ensure that the tone of the group is appropriate for you. Be cautious not to divulge any personal information. Also, be aware that most forums and online support groups permit anyone to post advice. This information could not be regulated by medical practices and is not regulated.