How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD, it's important to seek out a professional assessment and diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment by a licensed healthcare professional is covered by insurance, which makes it cheaper than paying out of pocket.
This free tool does not give a diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health provider can assess and diagnose ADHD.
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. Stress or diet can mask symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial that a qualified health care professional performs an entire assessment to make an accurate diagnosis and identify the most effective treatment options.
A professional will ask you a series of questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms you are experiencing on a regular basis.
Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, having a conversation with a person or the sounds outside the window).
Follows through on assignments and tasks at work or school (e.g. is late in submitting the report, loses work materials or does not check in with the supervisor).
Has trouble waiting for his or her turn in games or conversations. Infrequently, they will blurt out answers before the question is fully asked. Sometimes, they avoid, do not like or is unwilling to do tasks that require continuous mental effort (e.g. schoolwork, homework or for older adolescents and adults, writing reports or documents, or reviewing papers).
Has difficulty in keeping track of time or interpreting complex or changing schedules.
The person has a first-degree family member who was diagnosed with ADHD.
It is common for those with ADHD to suffer from other health conditions or disorders such as sleep and mood issues, which can produce similar symptoms. A healthcare professional will review the person's mental and physical health history, including mood, and may inquire about previous and current medications. They also will look at the person's current or, if they are an adult, their childhood behaviors and school experiences. The health care provider may get this information by asking coworkers and friends for their opinion, or by looking at early school records and other educational records. In addition, health care experts will determine if the patient is taking psychostimulants or other "complementary" health approaches to help with their ADHD. These methods aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you're prone to lose your keys, have trouble keeping up at school or at work, or are having trouble remembering appointments, you may be told by family or friends family members that you're suffering from ADHD. It's easy to laugh at these comments once or twice. However, if your reluctance and lack of organization seem to be becoming more and more frequent it could be the time to talk to an expert in mental health. This is not an instrument for diagnosing, but a great place to start the discussion about seeking assistance for any symptoms that can disrupt your daily routine.
Self-assessment is a good tool to determine if you or your child might be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD. However, a specialist is able to diagnose the condition after a consultation. They will examine your or your child's symptoms, and interview you about your life as well as your family's history and medical and psychiatric history. They will use checklists and rating scales to assess your symptoms. They will also conduct physical examinations to rule out any other possible reasons 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 at least two different settings such as school and home or social situations, and significantly interfere with your child's or your own functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be better explained 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 or impulsive symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADHD. When choosing a treatment plan, it's essential that your provider is aware of your past.
It's also crucial that the person you choose to work with has experience and expertise working with adults who have ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD have an accredited professional therapist or counselor. Ask about their experience and education before you schedule an appointment.
Treatment
Many people with ADHD aren't seeking treatment because of the stigma attached to the condition. However, scientific research has proven that adult ADHD does exist and that untreated symptoms can affect the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
Experts suggest a mix of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle modifications and educational assistance. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of the individual's life are addressed, allowing him or her to overcome the difficulties of ADHD.
Individual talk therapy is a crucial component of the treatment process. Talk therapy can be utilized to help people manage stress, improve their relationships, and develop strategies for coping. It can also help individuals recognize and manage their impulsive behavior, and learn how to manage time and money more efficiently. These treatments can be provided either in person or via an online counseling program such as BetterHelp.
Behavioral therapy is a great method to teach parents and other family members how to manage ADHD symptoms in children. In sessions, a therapist will teach families how to establish clear expectations and reward for positive behaviors. They can help parents get rid of distractions from their child's workspace and make it more comfortable for them to focus on their work or assignments.
In therapy, you could also teach self-management skills like time management and organizational skills, as well as self-care methods like eating healthy and exercising. These tools are especially useful for children suffering from ADHD who have difficulty in school.
Some people with ADHD can be treated effectively with medication. adhd assessment glasgow work by reducing the activity in certain regions of the brain that control impulse control. This allows people to pay attention and focus. There are a myriad of medicines available for ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or amphetamines, as well as nonstimulants like quetiapine, atomoxetine, and bupropion. Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter oral medication.
There are a few experiments to treat ADHD, in addition to pharmaceutical treatment. One study found that a small electrical device called 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 carries sensation from your head and face to the brain.
Support
While a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief, it can also bring up a new set of questions. It's normal for adults to to understand how their issues affect them and what they can do to manage their lives. The good news is that there are many resources for free available.
Adults suffering from ADHD, and their families, can seek support from support groups to help them navigate the challenges of the disorder. Many of these groups are designed to enable people to connect with other people who can relate to their experiences provide advice, and provide emotional support. A lot of these groups focus on specific issues like problems with parenting and work.
Online resources can be a great resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment is a way to determine if their issues are connected to ADHD. These tools usually include an assessment that contains items that are common to adults suffering from ADHD. They cannot replace the need for a professional assessment.
In addition to a variety of online sources, there are numerous local and national support groups for those with ADHD. These groups are usually led by mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD and provide an opportunity to talk about issues, symptoms and solutions.
Parents of children who suffer from ADHD are also able to receive a great deal of help and guidance from their doctors. 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 usually attend sessions of 8-16 with a therapist and practice these techniques in between sessions.
Talk to your mental health care provider or healthcare provider if you are looking to join a support group for ADHD. They may be able to suggest a group or recommend a specific one. Also, make sure you attend a few meetings prior to you join to make sure that the tone is appropriate for you. Be cautious not to divulge too much personal information. Be aware that anyone can post advice on many forums and online support group. This information is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.