How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment<br /><br />If you or your child suspects they may have ADHD It is recommended that you seek professional diagnosis and assessment. Insurance could cover a thorough evaluation by a certified healthcare professional, making it cheaper than paying for it out of your pocket.<br /><br />This free tool does NOT give any diagnosis. Only a doctor or a mental health professional is able to assess and diagnose ADHD.<br /><br /><br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />ADHD is diagnosed when the symptoms affect the life of a person, their work, or their relationships. It is important to remember that not all sufferers have the same set of symptoms. The symptoms can be disguised due to stress or diet, for example. It is essential that a qualified healthcare professional conducts an assessment to determine the cause and recommend a treatment.<br /><br />A trained professional will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you are experiencing on a regular basis.<br /><br />Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, having a conversation with a person or the sounds outside the window).<br /><br />Do not complete assignments or assignments at school or in work (e.g., forgets to turn in an assignment, loses work materials, or fails to make sure to check in with the supervisor).<br /><br />Has a difficult time waiting for their turn in games or conversations. Answers questions before they've been fully asked. Avoids, is averse to or is reluctant to do tasks that require sustained mental efforts (e.g. homework or schoolwork for teenagers and adult, preparing documents or reports, reviewing papers).<br /><br />Are having difficulty keeping track of time or understanding complicated or changing schedules.<br /><br />The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first degree relative.<br /><br />People with ADHD frequently have other conditions such as mood disorders or sleep issues that can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional will review the person's physical and mental health history, including mood and will ask about any past and current medications. They will also examine the person's early years or, if an adult, current behavior. Health care providers can often get this information with the consent of the patient by talking to colleagues and friends, as well as by reviewing early school report cards or other academic records. Health professionals may be able to determine whether the patient is using psychostimulants or other "complementary health approaches" to help with ADHD. These approaches are not scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />If you're likely to lose your keys, are struggling to keep up in school or at work, or have trouble remembering appointments, you might be told by friends or family that you have ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments at least once or twice. But if your forgetfulness and lack of organization seem to be getting out of hand it could be an appropriate time to seek out an expert in mental health. This assessment is not an instrument for diagnosing however it's a great way to start a conversation about seeking help for issues that can disrupt your daily routine.<br /><br />Self-assessment is a good tool to determine if you or your child might have signs that indicate ADHD. However, a specialist can only diagnose the problem after a consultation. They will review your child's or your own's symptoms and ask you questions about your lifestyle, family history, and medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales or checklists to evaluate your symptoms. They will also do an examination to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.<br /><br />To determine if you have ADHD your provider will examine the American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. Your symptoms must be present in at least two environments such as school and your home, or in social situations. They also need to significantly affect your everyday functioning. They have to be present for at least 6 months and not be explained by other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.<br /><br />For adults or older teens the criteria are slightly different. To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to consistently exhibit five of the seven symptoms of impulsivity or inattention. It is essential that your doctor is aware of your past in determining a diagnosis and when choosing the most appropriate treatment plan.<br /><br />It's also crucial that your provider has a degree and expertise working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD have a licensed professional counselor or therapist. Ask about their experience and education prior to scheduling an appointment.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Many people with ADHD do not seek treatment due to a negative stigma that surrounds the condition. Research has proven that adult ADHD is present and that untreated symptoms can negatively impact quality of life.<br /><br />Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication strategies, such as therapy and lifestyle modifications. They also recommend education support. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's life are addressed which allows them to deal with the challenges of ADHD more effectively.<br /><br />Talk therapy with a person is a vital component of healing. Therapy can help people manage anxiety, improve relationships and improve their strategies for coping. It helps people understand and control impulsive behaviors and learn to manage their time and money better. These treatments can be provided in-person or via an online counseling program like BetterHelp.<br /><br />Behavioral therapy can be used to teach parents and other family members how to better manage a child's ADHD symptoms. In therapy sessions the therapist will instruct families how to establish clear expectations and provide rewards for positive behavior. They can teach parents to remove distractions from their child's workspace and make it more comfortable for them to focus on their homework or tasks.<br /><br />There is also a range of self-management techniques that can be taught in therapy, for example organizational and time management skills, and self-care practices such as exercise and eating a balanced diet. These techniques can be particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who have difficulty at school.<br /><br />The use of medication is a successful treatment for some people with ADHD. The drugs work by reducing the activity in certain areas of the brain which regulate impulse control, which enables people to focus and pay attention. There are a variety of different medications that are prescribed for ADHD that include stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and melatonin, which can be available as an over-the-counter oral supplement.<br /><br />In addition to pharmacological treatments There are a number of new therapies that are being tested to treat ADHD. One study found that a small electrical device known as Monarch eTNS (electronic trigeminal nerve stimulation) reduced 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.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">I Am Psychiatry</a><br /><br />While being diagnosed with ADHD may come as an elation, it could also lead to a new set of questions. It's normal for adults to want to know how their conditions affect them and what they can do to improve their lives. The good news is that there's a many resources for free available.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD and their loved ones can seek out support groups to help navigate the challenges that come along with the disorder. Many support groups can help people connect to others who can share their experiences, provide guidance, or offer emotional support. Additionally, many of these groups are focused on specific topics like problems at work, parenting issues, and the unique challenges women with ADHD confront.<br /><br />Online resources can be a useful resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools are a great way to determine if their symptoms may be connected to ADHD. These tools usually include the questionnaire, which includes items that are common to adults with ADHD. They can't replace a professional evaluation.<br /><br />In addition to a variety of online resources, there are several local and national support groups for those suffering from ADHD. These groups are usually led by mental healthcare experts who specialize in ADHD. They offer a safe space to discuss issues, symptoms and solutions.<br /><br />Parents of children with ADHD are also able to receive lots of assistance and support from their doctor. They are also trained in the use of behavioral strategies they can impart to their children. Parents typically attend 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist and practice these strategies between sessions.<br /><br />Talk to your mental health care provider or your healthcare provider if are interested in joining a support group for ADHD. They may be able suggest a specific group or suggest one. Be sure to attend some of the meetings to make sure that the group's tone is appropriate for you. Be careful not to share any personal information. Be aware that many forums and online support groups permit anyone to post information. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not be in line with medical practices.<br /><br />