Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

An ADHD assessment gathers comprehensive information about an individual’s behaviour, development, social interaction and functional and cognitive capacity to determine if they meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

It involves a thorough evaluation of traits such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and their impact on daily life across different settings (e.g., home, school, work).

An ADHD assessment provides valuable information for developing an appropriate support plan and is also valuable to provide recommendations into strategies that may improve an individual’s functioning across different domains of life, particularly work and school. ADHD assessments are typically most useful for school-aged children to inform tailored interventions to support the child with learning. At TP Assessments we provide ADHD assessments for children (5+), adolescents and adults.

Adult ADHD Assessments

There can also be a number of benefits for an adult ADHD assessment. However, many adults experiencing ADHD difficulties would benefit from alternative assessment pathways due to different referral questions and support needs. In particular, if you think you may want to seek medication as a treatment option, you would be best to undertake an assessment with a psychiatrist (who are the only medical practitioners in South Australia who can prescribe medications as treatment for ADHD). If you would like to explore your options, an assessing psychologist can discuss the pros and cons of an adult ADHD assessment and the options available to you. This can be done as a standalone appointment, or as part of a larger assessment package. If you are accessing therapy services with a psychologist, you can also enquire with them as to the pros and cons and options available.

ADHD can cause a range of challenges for individuals and interfere with everyday functioning. This may include difficulty completing school assignments, performing daily chores, meeting deadlines at work, organising themselves and the things around them, and maintaining relationships. However, there are a number of strengths which also come with ADHD including the ability to think creatively and find unique solutions, performing well under high pressure, and being an energic character.

ADHD experiences vary widely between individuals and may manifest differently overtime due to age and development. ADHD experiences may also present differently based on gender and environmental factors. For example, some individuals may primarily struggle with regulating their attention while another individual may exhibit more hyperactive behaviours.

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it is agreed throughout the field that the cause of ADHD involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. There have been differences found in brain structure and function, particularly involving neurotransmitter systems responsible for attention and impulse control, which is believed to play a significant role.

Interventions for ADHD typically involve a combination of medication, behavioural therapy, and educational/lifestyle changes, depending on age. Stimulant medications which increase levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine are commonly prescribed by psychiatrists and some GP’s. These help improve attention and impulse control. However, it is important to acknowledge that ADHD is a complex condition, therefore treatment approaches need to be tailored to individual needs. Support from family members, educators, and mental health professionals is essential to help individuals with ADHD through their experiences and thrive in various aspects of life.