ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and involves psychological and behavioral features that can impact all aspects of life, including school, work, and relationships.
It is characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity.
The assessment of ADHD in adults involves the collection of information from the person being assessed and from people who know the person well, both now and as a child.
Much of the information for an assessment is gathered using symptom- and behavioral-rating forms that need to be completed by you and others before you are offered an appointment with the psychologist.
Service Options
We offer three options for adults who are interested in being assessed for ADHD.
- Screening
ADHD Screening Assessment
The Screening Assessment is a great option for those who are curious about whether they may have ADHD, but are not really interested in getting a formal diagnosis.
The Screening Assessment includes a questionnaire and a number of assessment forms that have been developed to assist in the diagnosis of ADHD and other mental health conditions in adults. The information submitted will be reviewed by a registered psychologist and you will be provided with feedback about whether the information that is submitted supports the pursuit of a formal diagnostic assessment.
If you opt for the Screening Assessment only, a GP referral is not required.
A positive screen for ADHD does not guarantee a diagnosis of ADHD will be made.
- Screening + Diagnostic Assessment (no medication)
ADHD Diagnostic Assessment (no medication)
A GP referral is required to proceed with a Diagnostic Assessment.
The Screening Assessment is the initial step in the formal Diagnostic Assessment procedure.
For those who are not interested in pursuing stimulant medication treatment, or who have a relationship with a psychiatrist who can manage that for them, a stand alone diagnostic assessment with a registered psychologist is an option.
Includes screening assessment forms, an assessment interview, and a written report that includes any appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
- Screening + Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Assessment
ADHD Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Assessment (with consideration of special authority for medication)
A GP referral is required to proceed with a Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Assessment.
The Screening Assessment is the initial step in the Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Assessment procedure.
We offer a Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Assessment for ADHD that includes input from both a registered psychologist and a registered psychiatrist.
If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, and you are interested in pursuing medication treatment, a special authority can be facilitated by the psychiatrist involved in the multidisciplinary assessment.
Includes screening assessment forms, an assessment interview, multidisciplinary review of results and a written report that includes any appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations, including a special authority for stimulant medication if it is indicated.
Assessment Process
To proceed with any of the ADHD assessment options, you will need to purchase the ADHD Screening Assessment service first.
You will be asked to fill in a registration form with your personal details, as well as the names and contact details of people who know you well, both now and as a child. This is referred to as collateral information and is required to proceed with our services.
Collateral Information
To ensure all ADHD diagnostic criteria are met, collateral support of both current and childhood symptoms is required.
The information from collateral sources is typically gathered using questionnaires that will be sent directly to the nominated person(s).
Current Symptoms
- Collateral information about your current symptoms can be provided by anyone who knows you well now.
Childhood Symptoms
- Collateral information about childhood symptoms can come from caregivers/parents/siblings/extended family or anyone who knew you well enough to report on your symptoms during childhood. School reports can also be helpful in documenting childhood symptoms and difficulties.
- Screening Assessment
Once you have paid for the screening assessment, and completed the registration form, links to the screening forms will be sent to you and the person or people you nominated.
- Review of Screening Assessment
Once all the screening forms have been completed, the information submitted will be reviewed by a registered psychologist and you will be provided with feedback about whether the information that is submitted supports the pursuit of a formal diagnostic assessment.
You will be contacted by our team to advise how to proceed.
- Appointment
The diagnostic assessment interview usually takes about an hour, and is used to follow up on responses from the completed screening forms and to gather additional information about the person's history and any other potential causes of the person's difficulties, including other mental health conditions.
- Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is determined by the answers to four key questions:
- Does the person have symptoms and difficulties that are consistent with ADHD?
- Is there evidence that those symptoms and difficulties were present during childhood?
- Are the symptoms and difficulties associated with impairment across multiple settings?
- Is there a better explanation for the person's symptoms and difficulties? (e.g., head injury, chronic insomnia, or other acute mental health conditions).
- Diagnostic Report
After the forms are completed and the diagnostic assessment interview has taken place, a report is generated that includes any appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Treatment
Research shows that outcomes are more effective when behavioral and medication treatments are combined.
- Medication Treatment
There are various medications approved to treat the symptoms of ADHD and the medications are typically prescribed by your GP.
If you wish to consider stimulant medications, a special authority is required. This can be provided by a psychiatrist. Consideration of a special authority is included in the Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Assessment option.
- Behavioral Treatments
We offer Executive Function Coaching to help create strategies that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms.
Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can also be effective in helping reduce the negative effects ADHD symptoms can have on your life and experience.
