ADHD Assessment

Adult ADHD Assessment 

Do you experience some of the following: 

• Zoning out 

• Forgetfulness 

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Too many tabs open in your head 

• Difficulty completing tasks 

• Feelings of laziness 

• Symptoms affecting your relationships 

Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has an attention deficit disorder as most people sometimes blurt out things they didn't mean to say, bounce from one task to another, or become disorganised and forgetful.

​

To assess whether a person has ADHD 

During the assessment process, it is important to consider several key questions: Are these behaviours persistent and not just a reaction to a temporary situation? Do these behaviours occur in multiple settings or only in specific locations, such as the playground or the office?

 

The individual's behaviour pattern is compared to a set of criteria and characteristics outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition). It is also critical to rule out other potential causes including learning difficulties, clinical disorders, mood problems, and medical conditions.

 

We will also assess the individual's strengths, including any mental health or clinical issues that could impact the diagnosis.

​

Our Process 

The Adult ADHD Assessment is a thorough process that consists of two clinical consultations with a registered psychologist. During these consultations, the psychologist will ask you questions and have you complete questionnaires about your background, educational history, and cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, concentration, and distractibility. This process will help determine if you may have ADHD or other related issues.

 

You will also need to complete ADHD screening and other validated assessments online. Additionally, information from close family members and medical information from your GP or medical clinic may be required.

 

The Adult ADHD assessment includes:

- One 2-hour clinical consultation

- Administration of four ADHD-validated measures and a Psychological Profiling Test

- Full clinical and psychosocial assessment

- Comprehensive assessment of developmental, mental health, and medical history (school reports or doctors’ referral letters can be useful)

- Observer reports of the person’s symptoms or mental state

- Comprehensive Assessment Report

- Recommendations for future support

 

Our assessment process complies with the recently published National ADHD Guidelines 2022.

​

Multimodal Treatment & Support 

There are two main components of treatment for ADHD: pharmacological (medication) and nonpharmacological (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

 

It is important to note that a psychologist is unable to prescribe medication to treat ADHD. The use of medication in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly effective in reducing core symptoms of ADHD and minimizing the effects of ADHD on daily life. Both forms of treatment can be done concurrently.

​

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

Present Tense Psychology specialises in one-on-one ADHD assessment and counselling intervention. Mark can help with CBT strategies for time management, emotional regulation, mood management, self-esteem, etc: 

• Attention and focus 

• Self-awareness strategies 

• Time management 

• Mindfulness-based strategies for mood management, anxiety, depression, etc 

• Self-talk strategies 

• Distraction management 

• Physical exercise and a healthy diet 

​

Medication 

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you may want to consider medication. However, this medication can only be prescribed by a GP after an assessment by a psychiatrist, which may result in additional out-of-pocket expenses for you. Alternatively, you can choose to manage your ADHD without medication through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other behavioural techniques.

​

Recommendations 

Your report will have a section on Recommendations at the end. These will cover both medication and non-medication pathways to help manage your ADHD symptoms. 

The recommendations will include CBT Strategies for particular areas that your psychologist needs to focus on, according to your assessment. 

​

Online Testing 

You will be sent several online tests during the assessment process that have between 20 – 50 multiple-choice questions. They are easy to fill in, but you must follow our test conditions to get the most accurate results. 

​

How to follow test conditions 

• Complete every question! 

• Concentrate and complete the forms in one sitting 

• Fill them in alone – you can share them later 

• Do not be distracted by watching TV or talking to anyone else 

• Be honest and this will help with your diagnosis

​

Administration 

If you require additional information or support during the online test, we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us via email at admin@presenttensepsychology.com.au or by calling 0410 713 385.