Attentional Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Support & Assessment

Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which can impact every aspect of a persons life such as school, work, home life, friendships, and relationships. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines ADHD as ‘a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development’. This persistent pattern has been linked to the prefrontal cortex of the brain which is responsible for executive functions, emotional regulation, and impulse control, and a range of other functions. While some children may experience a change in their symptoms as they get older and become adults, fewer experience a complete cessation of symptoms in adulthood.

Due to the pervasiveness of ADHD across the areas of a person’s life and the impact it can have, it is important people are given access to comprehensive and best practice support and assessments. Our psychologist Natasha offers this service online for adults 18 years and above. To book an appointment or learn more please keep reading.

There are 3 Subtypes of ADHD, these include;

  1. Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

  2. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

  3. Predominantly Combined Presentation

What Are The Different Types Of ADHD?

Currently there is no one universal medical, physical , or genetic assessment for ADHD. An assessment by a qualified health professional such a psychologist who has specific training in ADHD assessment is recommended. This diagnosis will be provisional with the requirement of it been confirmed by a psychiatrist if you are wanting to explore pharmacological support.

We are now recommending if you are open to trialing pharmacological support that you are first assessed by a psychiatrist. This can reduce the cost of the assessment process as a psychiatrist will often still complete their own assessment process which can be costly. We do however understand waitlists can be extensive to see a psychiatrist and many individuals may want or need support now for their symptoms. Alternatively some individuals may not want to explore medication yet or at all and would rather try psychological based interventions. An assessment of ADHD can still therefore be conducted by our psychologist for the purposes of informing non-pharmacological interventions.

At Graciously You Psychological Services we are focused on creating a neuro-affirming ADHD assessment process which involves the following screening and assessment process. This will be completed both in session with you and your psychologist and also outside of session by yourself and close family member or friend. Medical information from your GP, and school reports may also be requested. Please note, sessions assessing for ADHD are not covered by MHCP. For example, appointments discussing review of results from assessments and diagnosis.

It is important to note that an adult ADHD assessment will vary between individuals due to developmental, psychiatric and historical differences. Further, because some psychiatrists require their own assessments, we discuss what will be required for each client with them prior to starting the assessment process, as to avoid unnecessary costs to the client. However, a general assessment may involve the following;

  • Three 50 minute appointments

  • Review of full developmental, mental health and medical history

  • Completion of a clinical and psychosocial assessment

  • Administration of at least two ADHD validated measures

  • Administration of a psychological profiling test

  • Assessment report for your GP

  • Recommendations for future support

What Is Involved In An Assessment For ADHD In Adulthood.

When Should You Seek Assessment For ADHD.

There are many reasons why an adult may seek an assessment for ADHD. Generally they are experiencing significant issues in one or more areas of living. Below are some examples:

  • Relationships

  • Relationship to self

  • Work

  • School

  • Career direction

  • Significant overwhelm completing daily tasks

  • An increase in anxiety and sensory sensitivities

NB: The image above is not an exhaustive list of symptoms.

Overall working with a qualified psychologist to engage in a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, can can ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the best tailored support for you. They will also be able to help you manage the ADHD symptoms you experience, and assess for any comorbid disorders or issues and create a tailored treatment plan that is focused on your personal goals.

NB: The image above is not an exhaustive list of symptoms.

Appointments will always vary between clients due to personal differences in goals, symptoms and comorbid issues. Some clients may be medicated, some may not. Below is a general example of symptom management for context.

What To Expect From Psychological Treatment & Support for ADHD.

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to target unhelpful, self limiting beliefs and unhelpful thoughts.

  • Education about ADHD across the age range, its impacts, how it can differ between females and males, and comorbid issues.

  • Training in organisation and time management skills. For example, tasks creation, list building, priorotisation, utilising systems, calenders and overall goal setting and management.

  • Effective problem solving training. For example, how to not become overwhelmed when identifying and defining a problem, how to generate a list of solutions, test them and measure success,

  • Identification of a range of tailored strategies for each clients individual nervous system and sensory preferences which will assist them in increasing and sustaining attention.

  • Guidance on how to reduce distractions in ones environment, and how to create systems which involve reminders and technology and programs that can assist with this.

  • Trauma interventions may also be utilised such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). This is because those with ADHD are at increased risk of PTSD and other interpersonal traumas. If you want to learn more about EMDR click HERE.

APPOINTMENT LENGTH: Appointments are 50 minutes.
APPOINTMENT COST: Initial appointment (60 minutes) - $210*
Standard appointment (50 minutes) - $195*

* Additional costs for assessment forms vary. However, on average they are between $87 - $135. This is dependent on what screening assessments are determined to be required for your symptoms and assessment needs.

ADHD ASSESSMENT LENGTH: Generally an ADHD assessment will be conducted across 3 appointments. However, this can vary between clients due to a range of reasons, including varying histories, comorbid issues, developmental and physical factors. As mentioned above the individual screeners and assessments can differ between clients as each is tailored for these symptoms and needs.

Appointment Information.