Anxiety Canada – website & app    Adults & children

Anxiety Canada is an online resource providing free, evidence-based information and self-help resources for anxiety in children and adults. Anxiety Canada is the developer of MindShift, a free, evidence-based and treatment focussed app for children and youth to manage their anxiety.

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Bounce Back Ontario – videos, phone coaching sessions    Age 15 & Up

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

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Doing What Matters in Times of Stress – booklet & audio    Adults

Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide is a stress management guide for coping with adversity. The guide aims to equip people with practical skills to help cope with stress. A few minutes each day are enough to practice the self-help techniques. The guide can be used alone or with the accompanying audio exercises. Informed by evidence and extensive field testing, the guide is for anyone who experiences stress, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.

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ADHD Testing and information:

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Understanding the ADHD Testing Process: What Patients Should Know

Diagnosing ADHD is a comprehensive and multi-step process that requires careful evaluation to ensure accuracy and appropriate treatment. If you or a loved one suspect ADHD, it’s essential to understand the testing process and what is required for a formal diagnosis.

The Multi-Step Nature of ADHD Testing

ADHD testing is not completed in a single visit. It involves multiple appointments to gather detailed information about symptoms, history, and functioning across various settings. This extended process ensures an accurate diagnosis and helps rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities.

Key steps in the diagnostic process include:

• Initial Screening: A preliminary interview to assess whether ADHD symptoms are present and affecting daily life.

• Comprehensive Evaluation: This involves detailed interviews with the patient and individuals familiar with their behavior, such as family members, teachers, or employers. These interviews explore symptom patterns, onset, duration, and impact on functioning.

• Behavioral Rating Scales: ADHD-specific rating scales are completed by the patient and others who regularly interact with them (e.g., parents, teachers, or colleagues). These scales help quantify symptoms and their severity.

• Medical and Psychological Assessments: Additional screenings may be conducted to rule out medical conditions or co-occurring disorders that could explain the symptoms.

Why Input from Others Is Crucial

ADHD affects multiple areas of life, so gathering information from various sources is vital. Written documentation of symptoms from family members, teachers, employers, or other professionals can provide valuable insights into how symptoms manifest in different settings. For example:

• Parents and Teachers: Their observations are especially important for diagnosing ADHD in children since they can describe behaviors at home and school.

• Employers or Colleagues: For adults, feedback from work settings can highlight challenges related to attention, organization, or impulsivity.

• Other Specialists: Reports from psychologists, speech pathologists, or developmental pediatricians may be necessary to rule out other conditions that resemble ADHD.

What Patients Should Bring to Appointments

To streamline the evaluation process:

• Prepare a list of current medications.

• Gather school records, work evaluations, or previous medical reports.

• Provide written observations from individuals who interact with you regularly.
  These materials help your healthcare provider build a comprehensive picture of your symptoms and functioning.

Patience Is Key

Diagnosing ADHD takes time. Multiple visits allow healthcare providers to observe symptom persistence over time and across settings. They also ensure alternative diagnoses are ruled out before confirming ADHD. While this process may feel lengthy, it is critical for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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If you suspect ADHD in yourself or your child, consult a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD. Remember that while the testing process requires effort and collaboration from various sources, it is designed to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible. With proper evaluation and treatment, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling lives with improved focus and functioning.

 

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