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How to Get a Free ADHD Assessment If you or your child suspects they may have ADHD, you should seek professional diagnosis and assessment. Insurance could cover a thorough examination by a qualified healthcare professional which is less expensive than paying for it out of pocket. This free tool cannot give an assessment or diagnosis. Only a medical doctor or a mental health professional is able to determine 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. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone has the same set of symptoms. Stress or diet can cause symptoms. It is essential that a qualified healthcare professional performs an assessment in order to accurately diagnose and identify effective treatment. A professional will employ a series of questions to determine the severity of the nine ADHD symptoms you encounter on a regular basis like: Is easily distracted (e.g. by the television, having a conversation with a person or the sound outside the window). Completes assignments and tasks at work or school (e.g. fails to submit an assignment, loses work supplies or fails to check in with the supervisor). Has difficulties waiting for his or her turn in conversations or games. Answers questions before they're fully asked. Most often, he avoids, or dislikes or is unwilling to engage in tasks that require continuous mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, writing reports or documents, or reviewing papers). It is often difficult to keep the track of time or making sense of complicated or shifting schedules (e.g., regularly misses appointments or is late on work or household obligations). The person is a first-degree family member who has been diagnosed with ADHD. People with ADHD typically have other issues, such as mood or sleep problems that can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional may review the person's past physical and mental health, including mood. They may also ask about the current and previous medications. They may also look at the person's early years or in the case of an adult, the current behavior. Health care providers can often collect this information with the consent of the patient by speaking to colleagues and friends, and by looking over early school report cards or other educational records. Health care professionals will be able to determine if the person is using psychostimulants, or other “complementary health strategies” to help with ADHD. These approaches have not been proven scientifically to improve ADHD. Diagnosis If you're prone to losing your keys, have trouble keeping up in school or at work, or have trouble remembering appointments, then you may be told by your friends or family members that you suffer from ADHD. These kinds of remarks are easy to laugh off for a few times however if you believe that your apathy and lack of organization are escalating, it's worth seeing a mental health professional about. This isn't an instrument for diagnosing, but a great place to begin the conversation about seeking assistance for any symptoms that are disruptive to your life. While self-assessment tools are useful in determining whether you or your child may be suffering from symptoms that suggest ADHD, the only way to receive a diagnosis is through a consultation and evaluation with a specialist in the field. They will examine your or your child's symptoms, and interview you about your daily routine, family history, and medical and psychosis history. They will also use checklists or rating scales to evaluate your symptoms. They will also conduct an examination to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms. Your physician will employ the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose ADHD. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms have to manifest in more than one setting, like home and school or social situations, and significantly interfere with your child's or yours's daily functioning. They must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be better explained by another condition, like depression or anxiety. For adults or older teens the criteria are slightly different. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must consistently show five out of seven symptoms of impulsivity or inattention. It's important that your provider understands your history when making a diagnosis and before deciding on the best treatment strategy. It's also crucial that your provider has training and experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. Many adults with symptoms of ADHD are referred to a licensed professional therapist or counselor. Find out about their experience and education before you schedule an appointment. Treatment Many adults suffering from ADHD avoid treatment due to the negative stigma associated with the condition. However, scientific research has proved that adults with ADHD does exist and that untreated symptoms can affect the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Experts recommend a mixture of non-medication methods, such as therapy, lifestyle modifications and support for education. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the person's life are addressed and will allow them to better navigate the challenges of ADHD. Talk therapy with a person is an essential element of healing. Talk therapy can be used to help people manage stress and improve their relationships and develop strategies for coping. It can also help individuals to understand and control their impulsive behavior, and learn how to manage time and money more effectively. These therapies can be delivered in person or through an online counseling service such as BetterHelp. Behavioral therapy is a method to instruct parents and family members how to better manage children's ADHD symptoms. In sessions where a therapist teaches families how to establish clear expectations and reward for positive behavior. They can help parents eliminate distractions from their child's work area and make it easier for them to concentrate on their work or assignments. There are a myriad of self-management methods that can be taught in therapy, including organizational and time management skills, and self-care practices like exercising and eating a healthy diet. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children with ADHD that struggle in school. The use of medication is a successful treatment for some people suffering from ADHD. The medications work by decreasing activity in specific areas of the brain that regulate impulse control. This helps people focus and concentrate. There are many different medications that are prescribed for ADHD, including stimulants, like Adderall and amphetamines, as well as non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), 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 alternative therapies to manage ADHD. One study showed that a tiny 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 transmits the sensation from your head and face to the brain. Support A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief but it also brings up a lot of questions. It's normal for adults to want more details about how their symptoms affect them and what they can manage. There are numerous resources for free available. Adults suffering from ADHD, and their loved ones are able to seek out support through support groups to help them deal with the challenges of the disorder. A lot of these groups are designed to assist people in connecting with others who can relate to their experiences provide advice, and provide emotional assistance. A majority of these groups concentrate on specific subjects like problems with parenting and work. Online resources can be a valuable resource for those with ADHD. Self-assessment tools can help individuals determine if their symptoms are caused by ADHD. They usually include the questionnaire, which includes items commonly encountered by people with ADHD. They can't replace the need for a professional assessment. There are many local and national support groups for people who suffer from ADHD in addition to the online resources. These groups are typically led by mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD and can offer an opportunity to talk about the symptoms, challenges, and solutions. Doctors can offer a lot of support and help parents of children who suffer from ADHD. In addition to prescribing medications, they can also be trained to implement strategies for managing behavior and teach the strategies to their children. Parents usually go to 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist. They also practice using these techniques between sessions. If you're looking to join an ADHD support group, start by reaching out to your mental health provider or healthcare professional. They may be able to suggest an organization or refer you to a particular one. Be sure to observe a few meetings before you join to ensure that the tone is appropriate for you. Be careful not to disclose any personal information. Also, be aware that the majority of forums and online support groups permit anyone to share advice. The advice posted is not subject to regulation and may not be in line with medical practices.