How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to seek a professional assessment and diagnosis. Insurance may cover a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional and is therefore cheaper than paying for it out of the pocket.

This free tool cannot give a diagnosis. Only a physician or mental health professional can evaluate 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, life and relationships. It is important to remember that not everyone will have the same symptoms. Symptoms may be masked by stress or diet for instance. It is crucial that a certified healthcare professional conducts an assessment to determine the cause and recommend a treatment.

A specialist will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms are present on a regular basis.

Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, having a conversation with a person or the sound outside the window).

Follows through on assignments and tasks at work or school (e.g. fails to submit the report, loses work materials or does not check in with the supervisor).

Shows frequent difficulties waiting for his or her turn in conversations or games. Sometimes, they blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is reluctant to take on tasks that require continuous mental efforts (e.g. schoolwork or homework for adolescents older than adults, writing reports or documents, or examining papers).

It is often difficult to keep the track of time or navigating complex or changing schedules (e.g. often fails to make appointments or falls behind on household or work obligations).

The person is a first-degree family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD.

It is normal for people with ADHD to have other health conditions or disorders, including mood and sleep problems, that produce similar symptoms. A health care provider may examine the person's previous physical and mental health including mood. They may also ask about the current and previous medications. They also will look into the person's childhood or when they are an adult, their current behavior. The health care provider can find this information by asking coworkers and friends for their opinion, or by looking at early school documents and other educational records. In addition health specialists will examine whether the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary" methods to treat their ADHD. These strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.


Diagnosis

If you're prone to losing your keys, struggle to keep up with school or work, or have trouble remembering appointments, then you may be told by family or friends family members that you suffer from ADHD. These types of comments are fun to laugh at for a few times however if you believe that your lack of recollection and disorganization are getting out of control it's worth seeing a mental health professional about. This isn't a diagnostic tool, but it's a great place to start a conversation about seeking help for the symptoms that are disrupting your life.

Self-assessment tools can be useful in determining whether you or your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD The only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is through an evaluation and consultation with an expert in the field. They will examine your child's or your own's symptoms and will ask you questions about your daily routine and family history as well as medical and psychosis history. They will also use rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Your doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. Your symptoms must be present in at least two environments, such as school and home, or social situations. They also need to substantially affect your daily functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be a better explanation for another disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

For older teens or adults the criteria for diagnosis is slightly different. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must consistently exhibit five of the seven inattentive or impulsive symptoms. It's important that your provider is aware of your past in determining a diagnosis and before deciding on the best treatment strategy.

It is essential that the person you choose to consult with is certified and has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD prefer working with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. You should inquire about their experience and training prior to scheduling an appointment.

Treatment

Many people with ADHD aren't seeking treatment due to the stigma that surrounds the condition. However, research has proved that adults with ADHD is real and that untreated symptoms diminish quality of life.

Experts suggest a mix of non-medication strategies including therapy, lifestyle modifications and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the person's life will be addressed and will allow them to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.

Individual talk therapy is a vital element of the treatment process. Therapy can help people manage stress, improve relationships, and develop strategies for coping. It can also help people recognize and manage their impulsive behavior as well as learn how to organize and manage money and time more efficiently. These therapies can be offered in-person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.

Behavioral therapy is a method to teach parents and family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In sessions where a therapist teaches families how to establish clear expectations and offer rewards for good behavior. They can teach parents to remove distractions from their child's work area and make it more comfortable for them to concentrate on their work or assignments.

In therapy, you could teach self-management skills, such as time management and organizational skills as well as self-care strategies like eating a healthy diet and exercising. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.

Some people with ADHD can be effectively treated with medication. The medications work by decreasing activity in specific areas of the brain which regulate impulse control. This allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of treatments for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, quetiapine and bupropion. Melatonin is also available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.

There are also treatment options that are experimental for ADHD as well as pharmaceutical treatment. In one study, a small electronic device called Monarch eTNS - electronic trigeminal neural stimulation was found to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending pulses of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve which transmits the sensation from your head and face to the brain.

Support

While a diagnosis of ADHD can be an elation, it could also lead to a new set of questions. It's normal for adults to seek out more information about how their symptoms impact them and what they can manage. There are numerous resources for free available.

assessed for adhd with ADHD and their families can seek out support groups for assistance in navigating the challenges that come along with the disorder. Many of these groups are designed to enable people to connect with others who are able to relate to their experiences provide advice, and offer emotional support. Additionally, many of these groups are focused on issues such as problems at work, parenting issues, and the unique challenges that women with ADHD face.

Online resources are also an excellent resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine whether or not their symptoms may be connected to ADHD. They usually come with an assessment that contains items that are typical of people with ADHD. However, they can't be used as a replacement for a professional assessment.

There are numerous local and national support groups for people who suffer from ADHD as well as the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental health experts who specialize in ADHD and can offer a safe space to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions.

Doctors can provide a lot of assistance and support parents of children suffering from ADHD. They can also receive training in behavioral strategies that they can impart to their children. Parents typically attend 8-16 sessions with a therapist, and practice these techniques in between sessions.

Contact your mental health professional or healthcare provider if you are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They may be able recommend a group or refer you to a specific one. Make sure you attend at least a few meetings to ensure that the group's tone is appropriate for you. Also, be careful of sharing too much personal information. Be aware that anyone can share advice on a variety of forums and online support groups. This advice is not controlled by medical practices and is not subject to regulation.