ADHD Self-Assessment For Adults Free
Self-assessment is an easy and quick method to determine whether you suffer from symptoms of adult ADHD. However, the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to have consultation and assessment with a professional.
ADHD in adults is characterized by a tendency to lose things frequently, such as phones or keys or forgetting the items you used. The symptoms are constant across different settings and cannot be explained by other causes.
Self-assessment Tools
Many people with ADHD aren't seeking treatment or diagnosis because of the stigma associated with the disorder. Some people might have a distorted view of the disorder and believe it's a flaw in their character or a marketing tool that pharmaceutical companies use to sell their products. However, years of scientific research confirm that adult ADHD is real and that untreated symptoms could have devastating effects on the quality of life of an individual.
There are a number of reputable tools that can be used to determine whether a person might benefit from an ADHD assessment. These tools are readily available online and can be used for free. However, a thorough and accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical exam by a mental health professional.
ADHD Screening Test
Many people feel they are suffering from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but do not seek medical help because they believe that their issues are something that happens to everyone or a result of a poor parenting style. Some people are reluctant to seek a medical diagnosis, as they fear that their symptoms could hinder their relationships, work or sense of identity. Untreated ADHD is a growing problem for a large number of people.
The World Health Organization*, in collaboration with the Workgroup on Adult ADHD, has created a screening tool for ADHD to provide individuals with an initial indication of whether they could benefit from further clinical evaluation. The screening questionnaire is aimed at adults 18 years and older, and it assesses the most commonly observed symptoms of ADHD.
The ASRS is designed to be completed by the individual and is therefore ideal for those who are hesitant to report their symptoms to the health professional or who prefer to complete an assessment on their own. It can take between three and 10 minutes to complete.
Other self-assessment tools online include rating scales, and behavior questionnaires. These tools are commonly used in clinical practice and form an integral part of a comprehensive assessment for ADHD. These tools can be used to collect information from the patient, their significant others teachers, parents, and family members to help diagnose ADHD. These tools can be used to monitor changes in symptoms over time.
Women's ADHD Self Assessment Symptom Inventory
Some online tools are specifically designed to address the symptoms and challenges of females who suffer from adult ADHD. For instance the Women's ADHD Symptom Inventory (SASI) was created by two clinicians who worked extensively with this group of people. Get the facts studies the issues of childhood and the patterns that could affect ADHD in females. It also analyzes adult issues, including issues with relationships, work-related challenges and life maintenance struggles.
These tools are intended to be used alongside an exhaustive evaluation by a trained mental health professional. A trained clinician can evaluate the person's history, symptoms and functioning by using a variety of tools, including standardized diagnostic ratings and self-report questionnaires. The clinician will then suggest the best treatment plan based upon these assessments as well as other clinical assessments.