Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Psychological Assessments and Testing (Online)

Can a GP diagnose ADHD in adults?

General practitioners (GPs) and other front-line health providers may have helpful information and experience in identifying ADHD symptoms. However, to have a formal diagnosis of Adult ADHD you need a multidisciplinary approach. This includes your GP, Psychologist and/or Psychiatrist (for medication treatment options). 

Your assessment at Brain Training Australia will provide you with a report identifying whether you meet the DSM5 criteria for Adult ADHD diagnosis. 

Clients can then take their report to be reviewed by a Psychiatrist who may confirm the diagnosis and discuss medication if appropriate.

Diagnosis of ADHD on its own is generally not covered under the NDIS. The reason for this is that it may be hard for someone with ADHD to meet the NDIS eligibility criteria as a severe and permanent disability. If you have ADHD and are likely to overcome the issue you are seeking financial help for, or are being successfully treated with medications, then you are unlikely to be eligible for NDIS.  

ADHD does not appear on the list of disabilities supported by the NDIS, which means that unless there is another disability which could be a primary disability, the ADHD cannot be considered by the NDIS.

However, supports that may be considered for funding by NDIS relate to capacity building that assist with social skills, being active in the community, self-management and communication. Some positive behavioural support and assistance with daily routines and household task. Some cognitive therapy treatments may be supported by NDIS.

We recommend that you contact ADHD Foundation Headquarters to access their ADHD Fact Sheet for clarification about your own individual situation  support@adhdfoundation.org.au

What are the three main symptoms of ADHD?

• ADHD, combined type. This, the most common type of ADHD, is characterised by impulsive and hyperactive behaviours, inattention, and distractibility.

• ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. This, the least common type of ADHD, is characterised by impulsive and hyperactive behaviours without inattention and distractibility.

• ADHD, inattentive and distractible type. This type of ADHD is characterised predominately by inattention and distractibility without hyperactivity.

How much does an Adult ADHD Diagnosis cost?

The total cost of our Adult ADHD Assessment is $2,000 and broken down as follows:

• Screener Testing to determine whether going ahead with a formal assessment is advisable ($0)
• Clinical Interview Session – structured evidence-based 50-minute interview to go through your concerns, abilities, strengths, difficulties/challenges and developmental history, assessment planning ($250)
• Assessment & Reporting – review of clinical interview, review of client’s 2 x clinical assessments, review of parent/ sibling/ partner assessment, review of standardised questionnaires, assessment results, interpretation and report writing ($1500)
• Feedback Session 50-minute clinical appointment, 2-3 weeks after completion of the assessment ($250)

Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide rebates for diagnostic assessments.

But in fact, autism and ADHD often coincide. An estimated 30 to 80 percent of children with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD and, conversely, 20 to 50 percent of children with ADHD for autism.

– Rusting, R., 2018,Decoding the overlap between autism and ADHD, available on https://doi.org/10.53053/KCZY8213

A learning disability makes it difficult to acquire specific skills such as reading skills or math skills. By contrast, ADHD impacts more global skills and executive functions like the ability to focus, the ability to control emotions, and the ability to control impulsive behaviour.

A popular misconception is that all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are naturally smarter and have a higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.

What is the coping mechanism for ADHD adults?

Set a regular time and place for sorting boring things like bills. Please put it in your diary/schedule and stick to it. Break big tasks down into manageable steps, ensure they’re realistic, and give yourself deadlines.

What does untreated ADHD look like in adults?

Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms can lead to focus, concentration, and impulsivity problems. When these problems are not managed effectively, they can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and low self-esteem.

Estimates suggest that about 4% to 12% of children have ADHD. Boys are 2 to 3 times more likely to have ADHD of the hyperactive or combined type than girls.

Many parents of children with ADHD experienced symptoms of ADHD when they were younger. ADHD is commonly found in brothers and sisters within the same family. Most families seek help when their child’s symptoms interfere with learning and adjustment to school expectations and age-appropriate activities.

What are the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

The following are the most common symptoms of ADHD. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. The 3 categories of symptoms of ADHD include the following:

• Inattention:

  • Short attention span for age (difficulty sustaining attention)

  • Difficulty listening to others

  • Difficulty attending to details

  • Easily distracted

  • Forgetfulness

  • Poor organisational skills for age

  • Poor study skills for age

• Impulsivity:

  • Often interrupts others

  • Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn in school and/or social games

  • Tends to blurt out answers instead of waiting to be called upon

  • Takes frequent risks, and often without thinking before acting

• Hyperactivity:

  • Seems to be in constant motion; runs or climbs, at times with no apparent goal except motion

  • Has difficulty remaining in his/her seat even when it is expected

  • Fidgets with hands or squirms when in his or her seat; fidgeting excessively

  • Talks excessively

  • Has difficulty engaging in quiet activities

  • Loses or forgets things repeatedly and often

  • Inability to stay on task; shifts from one task to another without bringing any to completion

The symptoms of ADHD may resemble other medical conditions or behaviour problems. Therefore, your psychologist will assess for these during clinical interview and diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach. 

Is ADHD inherited from mother or father?

You can inherit genes that boost risk for ADHD from your mother, from your father or from both parents. In a recent Norwegian study, inherited risk was somewhat higher when a child’s mother had ADHD compared to their father, but researchers weren’t certain why that would be. 

Does ADHD get worse with age?

ADHD is a developmental disorder that’s typically diagnosed during childhood. While the symptoms of ADHD may change with age, this condition often persists into adulthood. Rather than intensifying with age, ADHD tends to improve, especially with ongoing treatment and management.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.

What foods make ADHD worse?

Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions to include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may contribute to your ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.

Caffeine doesn’t target ADHD symptoms as effectively as proven prescriptions. And caffeine plus medication “can result in dangerously acute jitteriness or out-of-control impulsivity,” according to CHADD, a national resource for children and adults with ADHD.

The NDIS may cover ADHD if you meet the eligibility and disability requirements. In addition to general criteria such as age, you must be able to prove that you have a disability causing an impairment that: Is permanent or likely to be permanent.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought).

Although anxiety and ADHD may occur together, ADHD is not an anxiety disorder. Sometimes, anxiety can occur independently of ADHD. Other times, it can be as a result of living with ADHD. A person who has ADHD and misses a work deadline or forgets to study for an important exam can become stressed and worried.

Do adults with ADHD sleep a lot?

Many people with ADHD experience daytime sleepiness and difficulty waking up due to poor sleep. Others experience restless, non-refreshing sleep with multiple nighttime.

What are the top 5 foods to help Adults with ADHD?

Foods rich in protein — lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products — can help support ADHD symptoms. The body uses protein-rich foods to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other.

What personality type do people with ADHD have?

A recent review of findings on ADHD and FFM personality suggests that, in general, ADHD has associations with the FFM traits of Neuroticism (positive), Agreeableness (negative) and Conscientiousness (negative).

What do adults with ADHD struggle with most?

Adults with ADHD may find it challenging to focus and prioritise, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience in waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Most common triggers of ADHD: stress, poor sleep, certain foods (milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges) and additives.

The entire process can take approximately four weeks from start to finish, depending on your Psychologist’s availability and how soon you can secure an appointment. This includes an initial screener, clinical interview, client assessments, sibling/ parent/partner assessments, assessment and reporting and feedback interview.

What does ADHD burnout feel like?

The symptoms of ADHD and burnout can be very similar. People with ADHD may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating and feeling overwhelmed. People experiencing burnout may also feel fatigued, stressed, and overwhelmed. There may also be physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, or feeling tense.

Stimming can take many different forms: visual: staring off into space, drawing, spinning things like pens or coins. verbal/auditory: repeating sounds, excessive giggling, constantly clearing throat. tactile: rubbing fingers, chewing/biting nails, chewing the inside of cheeks.

What is the most effective treatment for ADHD in adults?

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training and psychological counselling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they don’t cure it.