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How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD It's crucial to seek a professional assessment and diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional can be covered by insurance, which makes it cheaper than paying out of pocket. This tool is free and does not give any diagnosis. Only a doctor or mental health provider can evaluate and diagnose ADHD. Symptoms People who are diagnosed with ADHD are likely to have a variety of symptoms that can affect their work, lives, and relationships. It is important to recognize that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet can cause symptoms. It is therefore essential that a trained health care provider completes an exhaustive assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatments. A professional will ask you a series questions to determine which of the nine ADHD symptoms are present every day. is easily distracted by distracting stimuli (e.g. television, a conversation with a companion, or the sound of traffic outside). Completes tasks and assignments at work or in school (e.g. fails to submit an assignment, loses work supplies or fails to check in with the supervisor). Has a hard time waiting to be the next in conversations or games. Frequently blurts out answers before the question has been fully asked. Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to take on tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g. homework or schoolwork for teenagers and adults, writing reports or documents, or reviewing papers). Often has trouble keeping the track of time or making sense of complicated or shifting schedules (e.g. often fails to make appointments or is late on work or household obligations). The person has a family member with ADHD who is a first grade relative. People with ADHD often have other disorders such as mood disorders or sleep problems that can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional will review the person's mental and physical health background, including mood, and may ask about past and current medications. They may also look at 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 documents and other records of education. Additionally health care experts will determine if the patient is taking psychostimulants or other “complementary” health approaches to help with their ADHD. These strategies aren't scientifically proven to reduce ADHD symptoms. Diagnosis You might be told you suffer from ADHD if you are prone to losing your keys, experience difficulties keeping up with work or at school, or forget appointments. These kinds of comments are easy to laugh off every now and then, but if you feel that your apathy and lack of organization are getting out of control it's something you should talk to a mental health professional about. This isn't a diagnosis tool but it's a good place to start a conversation about seeking help for any symptoms that are disrupting your life. Self-assessment is an excellent method to determine if you or your child may have signs that indicate ADHD. However the specialist can only diagnose the problem after an appointment. They will evaluate your child's or your own symptoms and ask you questions about your life and family history, medical and psychiatric history. They will also utilize rating scales and checklists to assess your symptoms. They will also perform physical examinations to determine if there are any other possible causes for your symptoms. To determine if you have ADHD your provider will review the American Psychological Association's (DSM-5) criteria for the disorder. To qualify as having ADHD your symptoms must be evident in more than one setting, like home and school or social situations and seriously affect your child's or yours's daily functioning. They have to be present for at least 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. For adults or older teens, the criteria is slightly different. To be considered to have ADHD the person must consistently show five out of seven symptoms of impulsivity or inattention. When choosing the best treatment plan, it's crucial that your provider is aware of your past. It is essential that the person you choose to consult with is trained and has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Many people who experience symptoms of ADHD prefer working with a professional licensed counselor or therapist. It's beneficial to inquire about their experience and training prior to scheduling an appointment. Treatment Many people with ADHD aren't seeking treatment due to the stigma associated with 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 methods, including therapy and lifestyle changes. They also suggest educational support. This holistic approach ensures all aspects of a person's life will be addressed which will enable them to overcome the difficulties of ADHD. Talk therapy with an individual is an essential element of healing. The use of talk therapy is to help people manage stress, improve their relationships, and develop strategies for coping. It can also assist people recognize and manage their impulsive behavior, and learn to organize and manage time and money more effectively. These therapies can be offered either in person or via an online counseling service such as BetterHelp. Read Much more can be used to teach parents and other family members how to better manage children's ADHD symptoms. In therapy sessions the therapist will instruct families how to set clear expectations and offer rewards for positive behaviors. They can also show parents how to remove distractions and make their child's workspace more comfortable, so that they can concentrate on work or other tasks. In therapy, you can teach self-management skills, such as time management and organizational skills as well as self-care methods like eating healthy and exercising. These tools are particularly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD who have difficulty at school. Some people with ADHD are able to be treated by medication. The medications reduce activity in certain areas of the brain which regulate impulse control. This allows people to pay attention and focus. There are many different medications that can be prescribed for ADHD that include stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines; nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as quetiapine (Quillium) and bupropion (Wellbutrin); and melatonin, which is available as an over-the-counter oral supplement. In addition to the pharmacological treatment there are also experimental therapies for managing ADHD. One study revealed 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 face and head to the brain. Support A diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief but it also brings up many questions. It's normal for adults to want to know how their conditions impact them and what they can do to manage their lives. There are many free resources available. Adults with ADHD and their loved ones can turn to support groups for help 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. In addition, many of these groups are specifically focused on specific topics like work-related issues, parenting struggles and the unique challenges women with ADHD face. Online resources can also be a valuable resource for those suffering from ADHD. Self-assessment is a way to determine if their issues are caused by ADHD. These tools typically include an assessment with items commonly encountered by adults with ADHD. They are not a substitute for an evaluation by a professional. There are a variety of local and national support groups for people with ADHD, in addition to the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental healthcare experts who specialize in ADHD. They can provide a safe environment to discuss the symptoms, challenges and solutions. Parents of children with ADHD can also receive a great deal of help and guidance from their doctors. They are also trained in behavioral strategies that they can teach to their children. Parents usually attend between 8 and 16 sessions with a therapist, and practice using these techniques between sessions. If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, begin by calling your mental health professional or healthcare professional. They might be able to recommend a group or recommend a specific 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 too much personal information. Be aware that anyone can share advice on a variety of forums and online support groups. This advice is not regulated and may not conform to medical practices.