Think you might have ADHD? Learn About ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment

Think you might have ADHD? Learn About ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the?most common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting?more than 1 million Australians – 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults.

Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. This may look like excessive fidgeting or restlessness, difficulty paying attention and staying organised, and trouble with self-control. Symptoms often continue into adulthood, although adults usually experience them differently than children or teenagers. ADHD can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including work, school, and relationships.

In October 2022, new Australian clinical guidelines for ADHD were released, transforming the way people with ADHD are identified, diagnosed, treated and supported in Australia.

While ADHD is a lifelong condition, receiving a timely diagnosis and ongoing treatment can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.?

New Vision Psychology has highly experienced ADHD psychologists to help with managing ADHD – from identification and screening, to diagnosis, through to treatment and support.

If you think you or someone you know may have ADHD, get in touch with us for a screening session. In this 1-hour session, we will administer an ADHD screener and advise you if a formal assessment is necessary.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions.

It is a neurobiological disorder that affects the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain that controls executive functioning, that is, the ability to self-regulate and control one’s thoughts, actions, emotions and words. People with ADHD often experience problems with impulse-control, hyperactivity, focusing and organisation.?

ADHD is a brain-based biological disorder, not a learning disability, mental illness or behavioural disorder. It is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. Around 1 in 20 Australians has ADHD. More than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience the symptoms into adulthood. It can have a significant effect on all aspects of their lives, including their studies, work, home life and personal relationships.

While ADHD is known to have neurological origins, researchers still aren’t sure about its exact causes. Evidence shows that ADHD is genetic and hereditary. Some research suggests that a factor may be reduced dopamine, the neurotransmitter that triggers emotional responses, while other research suggests it is due to structural differences in the brain associated with less grey matter volume. Researchers do not have anything conclusive yet and are still studying potential causes.

Groups at higher risk of having ADHD include:

  • Children born prematurely or with low birthweight
  • Children and adolescents in out-of-home care
  • People with epilepsy
  • People with other neurodevelopmental conditions
  • People with mental health disorders
  • People with some medical conditions
  • People with brain injury
  • People in prison
  • People using addiction services


Types of ADHD

There are three main types of ADHD:

  • Predominantly inattentive presentation
  • Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
  • Combined presentation


ADD vs ADHD: What’s The Difference?

The acronyms ADD and ADHD have frequently been used interchangeably, often creating much confusion.

ADD = Attention Deficit Disorder

  • Previously used to describe individuals primarily showing inattentive symptoms without hyperactivity.

ADHD = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Updated term which encompasses all types, including the inattentive presentation.
  • In 1987, the DSM-III-R, replaced ADD with ADHD, incorporating hyperactivity into the primary definition of the disorder.
  • The 1994 DSM-III further refined the diagnosis by recognising the three different presentations of ADHD, which allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the condition.


What are the most common symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD?symptoms start before the age of 12 and may be noticeable as early as 3 years old. ?Neurobiological factors interact with environmental factors to affect how symptoms present. They can be mild, moderate or severe, and often continue into adulthood. Symptoms also present differently in boys and men than in girls and women. There is a gap in existing knowledge about ADHD in girls and women, contributing to many girls and women getting misdiagnosed.

Symptoms may look different at different life stages. Here are some signs :

Children:

  • trouble focusing and easily distracted
  • low attention span?
  • fidgeting, squirming, or trouble sitting still
  • constantly needing movement or frequently running around
  • engaging in activities loudly or disruptively
  • excess talking and interrupting others

Adolescents:

  • difficulty focusing
  • frequently making mistakes
  • trouble finishing tasks
  • trouble with organisation and time management
  • often forgetting or losing things
  • increased frustration and emotional sensitivity
  • trouble navigating relationships

Adults:

  • difficulties at uni or work
  • trouble passing classes or completing work
  • issues with self-esteem and overall mental well-being
  • substance misuse issues, especially with alcohol
  • relationship challenges with partners, family, or co-workers
  • frequent accidents or injuries


What Causes ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been researched for well over a century and has been documented in every country and every culture in the world. This research has identified several possible genetic factors that may contribute to the development of a child’s behaviour and ADHD.

These factors include:

  • Abnormalities in the genes that influence the following neurotransmitters:
  • Serotonin, which helps regulate mood.
  • Dopamine, which controls movement and emotional responses.
  • Norepinephrine, which helps mobilise the brain for action and attentiveness.
  • Decreased activation in the areas of the brain?which monitor emotion, impulse control, problem solving and social interaction.
  • Smaller brain volume in the areas of the brain responsible for regulating attention, resisting distractions and developing awareness or self and time.

Researchers have also identified significant environmental factors which can increase the risk of developing ADHD such as premature birth, prenatal exposure to nicotine or alcohol and toxins in the body.

Parents and caregivers should also note that despite rhetoric and anecdotes, there is no scientific evidence linking ADHD with immunisations, vaccines, allergies, food additives or eating too much sugar.


What are your ADHD treatment methods?

ADHD treatment varies according to each person’s specific symptoms and circumstances. The latest Australian ADHD guidelines detail the importance of access to multimodal treatments, including medication and non-medication (psychological) treatments. Non-medication treatments include lifestyle changes, parent/family training, cognitive-behavioural interventions and ADHD coaching. The guidelines recommend that people with ADHD should be taught how to minimise symptoms and maximise their personal strengths. Receiving early diagnosis and treatment can have a huge impact on a person’s life. ?

At New Vision Psychology, we take a personalised approach ADHD therapy by considering each individual’s requirements. A tailored treatment plan is created for each client, considering factors such as the severity of their symptoms, and whether they have other coexisting conditions like ASD, anxiety, ODD or mood disorders.

How many ADHD counselling sessions will I need?

There is no magic number! The number of sessions required varies according to each person. During your first counselling session with your psychologist, you’ll discuss your treatment goals and treatment plan. Based on your individual needs and circumstances, your psychologist will be able to give you an indication of how many sessions you’ll require.

What is the point of seeing an ADHD psychologist?

ADHD affects all aspects of a person’s life. It causes problems at home, school, work and in relationships. Without receiving treatment, it is difficult to function at your best.

Seeing an ADHD psychologist allows you to receive a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve your daily life.

ADHD affects both children and adults, and some people don’t find out until they’re adults. If you think you or someone you know might have ADHD, it’s never too late to get an adult ADHD assessment. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can start managing your symptoms, overcome your challenges and improve your life.



ADHD Testing & Assessment in Sydney

A complete ADHD assessment at New Vision Psychology involves:?

[1st Session]

Initial Consultation

Who: Under 12 – Only parents/caregiver attend; Above 12 – Client attends alone or with parents/caregiver

Duration: 50 min

Location: Any of our 5 clinics or Telehealth

In this session, we will conduct a clinical interview, administer an ADHD screener/questionnaire and advise you if a formal assessment is necessary.


[2nd Session]

Cognitive Assessment (Wechsler Intelligence Scale)

Who: Client attends alone

Duration: Up to 2 hours

Location: Any of our 5 clinics


[Psychologist Report]

Assessment Scoring & Report Preparation

Who: Psychologist

Duration: 3-4 hours

Desc.: Assessment scoring, results interpretation and report writing

You will only need to attend 2 sessions; these will be on separate days.?

* The type of ADHD screener/questionnaire used will be determined by your psychologist based on what is most suitable for you.?

* The complete ADHD assessment process takes around 6-7 hours in total. In a small percentage of cases, this may take longer. You will be advised of this in your initial session and may then decide if you would still like to proceed.

Important Note:?Psychologists do not prescribe medication for ADHD.?Psychologists diagnose and treat ADHD. To receive medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist and/or GP.??


What ADHD diagnostic tools do you use?

New Vision Psychology abides by the latest Australian ADHD clinical guidelines. Our registered and clinical psychologists use the following ADHD diagnostic tools:

  • TEA-Ch2
  • BASC-3
  • Conners 3
  • ASRS
  • WISC-V
  • WAIS-IV
  • WPPSI-IV


ADHD Assessment Fees

We provide assessments for both adults and children across Sydney.

Initial Session: $260

For a complete diagnosis: $1,560

For clinical psychologists: The initial session is $280; a complete diagnosis is $1680.

The complete assessment process takes around 6-7 hours, involving an interview, screener/questionnaire, cognitive assessment, scoring, results interpretation and report writing.?

After the initial consultation, we will advise you if formal assessment is necessary. Should you wish to proceed, the initial session fee ($260) will be deducted from the total fee ($1560).

* Medicare rebates are available to assist with the cost of seeking a diagnosis. Call us on 1300 001 778 for more information.

Get your ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Today

At New Vision Psychology, our experienced practitioners can help with ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

We're located in Sydney CBD, Burwood, Castle Hill, Chatswood and Hurstville.

To organise a child or adult ADHD assessment, book online or call us at 1300 001 778.


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