How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It's crucial to seek out a professional assessment and diagnosis. A thorough evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional is covered by insurance, making it much cheaper than paying out of pocket.
This free tool does not offer any diagnosis. Only a physician or mental health professional can evaluate and diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms
People who are diagnosed with ADHD will suffer from symptoms that affect their work, life and relationships. It is important to keep in mind that not all people will experience the same symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised by stress or diet, for example. Therefore, it is essential that a certified health professional conducts a full assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and determine effective treatments.
A specialist will ask you a series of questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you experience 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).
Do not complete assignments or tasks at school or at work (e.g. you forget to submit the report, misplaces work supplies, or doesn't follow up with supervisor).
Has a hard time waiting to be the next in a game or conversation. Answers questions before they've been fully asked. Avoids, disapproves or is hesitant to take on tasks that require a lot of mental effort (e.g. homework or schoolwork for adolescents older than adults, writing documents or reports, reviewing papers).
Is having trouble keeping track of the time or understanding complicated or changing schedules.
The person has a family member who suffers from ADHD who is a first degree relative.
People with ADHD typically have other issues such as mood disorders or sleep disorders that result in similar symptoms. adhd assessment cost I Am Psychiatry may look into the person's past mental and physical health including mood. They may also ask about any medications they have taken in the past and present. They also will look into the person's childhood or, if an adult, current behavior. The health care provider can get this information by asking colleagues and friends for their opinions, or by studying early school records and other educational records. Additionally health care experts will determine if the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary" health approaches to treat their ADHD. These strategies haven't been scientifically proven to improve ADHD.
Diagnosis
You may be told that you're suffering from ADHD when you are prone to losing your keys, have difficulties keeping up with work or school or if you forget appointments. It's easy to laugh at these remarks at least once or twice. However, if your reluctance and lack of organization seem to be becoming more and more frequent it could be time to consult a mental health professional. This isn't a diagnostic tool, but it's a great place to start a conversation about seeking help for symptoms that are causing disruption to your life.
Self-assessment is an excellent tool to determine if you or your child might have signs that indicate ADHD. However the specialist can only diagnose the condition following an appointment. They will assess your child's or your own symptoms and ask questions about your lifestyle and family history, and your mental and medical history. They will also use rating scales or checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to determine if there are any other possible causes of your symptoms.
To determine if you have ADHD your physician will examine the American Association for Psychiatric Research's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms must be evident in at least two settings such as school and at home, or in social settings. They also must significantly interfere with daily functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be a better explanation for other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
For older teens or adults, the criteria is slightly different. To be considered to have ADHD the person must consistently exhibit five of the seven symptoms of impulsivity or inattention. It is essential that your doctor knows your personal history in determining a diagnosis and before selecting the best treatment strategy.
It's important that your provider is trained and has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD opt to work with a licensed professional counselor or therapist. Find out about their experience and training before you schedule an appointment.
Treatment
Many adults with ADHD aren't seeking treatment because of the stigma that surrounds the condition. However, scientific research has confirmed that adults with ADHD exists and that if symptoms are not treated, they can impact the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication methods, such as therapies, lifestyle modifications and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a person's life are addressed which allows them to deal with the challenges of ADHD more effectively.
Individual therapy for talk therapy is a crucial component of the treatment process. Talk therapy can help individuals manage stress, improve relationships and develop strategies for coping. It can also assist people recognize and manage their impulsive behavior as well as learn to organize and manage time and money more effectively. These treatments can be provided in person or through an online counseling service such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy can be used to teach parents and family members how to better manage children's ADHD symptoms. During therapy sessions, the therapist will teach parents and family members how to establish expectations and reward positive behavior. They can also teach parents to eliminate distractions and make their child's space more comfortable so they can concentrate on work or other tasks.
There are also a variety of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, including time and organization techniques, as well as self-care routines such as exercise and eating a balanced diet. These tools are particularly useful for children suffering from ADHD who struggle at school.
Some people with ADHD are able to be treated by medication. The drugs work by reducing the activity in specific regions of the brain that regulate impulse control, which allows people to concentrate and pay attention. There are a variety of medications available for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, quetiapine, and bupropion. Melatonin is also available as an over-the counter oral supplement.
In addition to pharmacological treatments there are also new therapies that are being tested to treat ADHD. In one study, a tiny electrical device known as Monarch eTNS, which is an electronic trigeminal neural stimulation - was found to decrease the symptoms of ADHD in children. It works by sending short bursts of gentle electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve which carries sensation from your face and head to the brain.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it also brings up lots of questions. It's normal for adults to want to understand how their issues affect them and what they can do to better manage their lives. There are a variety of free resources available.
Adults 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 assist people connect to others who can share their experiences, provide guidance, or offer emotional assistance. A majority of these groups focus on specific topics like parenting issues and workplace issues.
Online resources can also be a great source for people suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment can help people determine if their issues are related to ADHD. They usually come with an assessment that contains items that are typical of adults with ADHD. However, they can't be used as a substitute for a professional assessment.
In addition to a variety of online resources, there are several local and national support groups for those with ADHD. These groups are usually led by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD and offer an opportunity to talk about issues, symptoms, and solutions.
Doctors can offer a lot of support and help to parents of children with ADHD. In addition to prescribing medications as well as providing support, they can also be trained to implement strategies for managing behavior and teach the strategies to their children. Parents typically attend sessions of 8-16 with a therapist and practice these techniques in between sessions.
If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, begin by contacting your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able to suggest a particular group or refer you to one. Be sure to observe a few meetings before you join to make sure that the tone is appropriate for you. Also, be careful of sharing any personal information. Also, be aware that most forums and online support groups permit anyone to post advice. This advice is not regulated and may not be in line with medical practices.