ADHD

Diagnosis and Treatment

Do you suspect you have ADHD?

Do you need therapeutic support to manage ADHD symptoms?

A comprehensive ADHD assessment by a Psychologist or Neuropsychologist ensures accurate diagnoses, aiding the development of tailored treatment plans, educational strategies and interventions to help children and adults reach their full potential.

Getting Started is Simple

1. Make an Appointment

Discuss your questions, goals, and challenges with a Psychologist to determine whether an assessment is the best option.

Make an Appointment >

2. Start ADHD Assessment

Attend 2 to 3 assessment sessions. Receive a comprehensive report with a personalised treatment plan to enhance your daily life and wellbeing.

3. Benefits and Next Steps

For some, a combination of neuropsychological therapy and medication proves effective. Others find therapy satisfactory to improve wellbeing and reach their goals.

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ADHD Brisbane Psychologists

Dr Emily Hindman

I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist dedicated to a career that combines therapy, teaching, and research with evidence-based clinical practice. My clinical goals focus on ensuring accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions. I provide ADHD and ASD diagnostic assessment services, among others.

I have extensive training and experience in assessing and diagnosing mental health and cognitive, behavioural and neuropsychological conditions across the lifespan, with a particular interest in the effect of early life adversity and adaptive functioning on neurodevelopment.

I lead a clinical service in the child protection sector, having successfully obtained ongoing funding for a psychology and research centre for Aboriginal children in Out-of-Home Care on the Mid-North Coast.

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Alicia Firth

I am a Registered Psychologist offering a range of online therapy services, including ADHD diagnostic assessments and evidence-based psychological therapy for adults. My emphasis is on working with clients in a collaborative, empathic way with the aim of helping clients to develop a greater understanding of themselves throughout the assessment process, to self-manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life and, most importantly, reach their individual goals.

I am a Master’s level trained Psychologist, and currently completing a PhD in Psychology. I have a particular interest in a strengths-based approach to understanding ADHD in adults and have been involved in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults for several years.

My aim is to ensure that as a client begins the process of an ADHD assessment, you feel well supported, encouraged and understood. I conduct comprehensive ADHD assessments with adults, ensuring accurate diagnosis and identification of co-occurring concerns and provide support with personalised treatment goals.

I am a full member of the Australian Association for Psychologists Inc, and the International Association of Applied Neuroscience.

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Morgwn Paris

I am a Clinical Psychologist who has established a career marked by a dedication to excellence and professionalism. I have extensive experience helping clients address a wide range of intricate psychological challenges, including ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and most clinical presentations.

My commitment to understanding the intricacies of individual differences has led me to develop a particular interest in working with neurodiverse populations.

My comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to pinpoint symptoms and support the creation of effective treatment plans, management strategies and personalised support.

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Dr Jane Austin

I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I work with adults, both as individuals and couples. My authentic, warm and direct style allows me to initiate and grow relationships with my clients, navigate challenging conversations and quickly grasp client needs.

I have broad experience encompassing community mental health, private practice, employee assistance programs and organisational psychology. I skillfully translate complex psychological theories into practical, meaningful solutions for individuals.

I conduct cognitive assessments, including adult ADHD and ASD, among others.

I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology from The University of Queensland and am a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

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How an ADHD Diagnostic Assessment Can Help You

Often, people with ADHD feel frustrated and can become anxious or depressed at not being able to achieve their full potential. If symptoms affect your daily life, work or relationships, you should seek help.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment ensures accurate diagnoses, aiding the development of tailored treatment plans, educational strategies and interventions to help individuals reach their full potential.

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ADHD Treatment

Different treatment options can help people with ADHD, depending on their individual clinical presentation and needs. For example, those with mild ADHD symptoms and no other mental health issues may do well with psychotherapy. Those experiencing more difficulty managing ADHD symptoms or presenting with other mental health issues may benefit from both medication and psychological treatment.

Psychological Therapy and Strategies

An experienced ADHD psychologist can provide psychological therapy and individualised strategies to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some examples include:
- Neuropsychoeducation: Education on the neurobiological basis of ADHD and ASD and how neurodiversity can impact cognitive processes such as attention, impulse control, and executive functioning.
- Behavioural Strategies: These may involve setting up structured routines, using visual aids, and breaking tasks into manageable steps to improve focus, organization, and time management. For example, research suggests that CBT Cognitive-behavioural Therapy could be helpful for individuals to learn strategies for managing symptoms and reducing the impact of issues associated with ADHD.
- Coping Skills: To manage impulsivity and emotional regulation, such as mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and therapy to challenge negative thought patterns.
Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, such as adopting an adequate diet, exercising regularly, and improving sleep habits, can also help manage ADHD symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
Parent Support

Learn how to best support your child or young person, including effective communication strategies, affirming behaviour strategies, and setting up a supportive home environment.
Study Accommodations

A psychologist can assist you in requesting additional accommodations and support services within educational settings, such as extra time for assignments or exams, preferential seating, and access to a quiet space for studying.
ADHD Medication

A psychiatrist can prescribe stimulant medications such as methylphenidate to help manage symptoms of ADHD in adults an children. Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine, may also be prescribed.

The most appropriate therapeutic approach depends on an individual’s needs and circumstances. A psychologist works with you to develop a personalised ADHD treatment plan that can include one or more therapeutic methods.

More About ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with concentration, attention and impulse control, impacting a person’s day-to-day life. ADHD treatment can help you, and it may include medication, CBT therapy, and Couples Counselling for those experiencing relationship difficulties.

ADHD can affect both children and adults. Adults with ADHD often struggle when needing to concentrate for long periods and may be easily distracted and act before thinking things through. Some people may experience these difficulties at some time in their lives. However, adults with ADHD experience these issues on an ongoing basis, affecting their lives, school, work and relationships.

ADHD can be diagnosed during childhood. However, it can go undiagnosed until adulthood. That can lead adults to experience years of struggle with ADHD symptoms and the effects on their lives and relationships.

ADHD can present differently in adults and children. For example, hyperactivity is often seen in children with ADHD. Adults, however, may experience restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility.

ADHD Symptoms

ADHD symptoms vary depending on the individual and the type of ADHD they present with. Common symptoms of ADHD are:

Inattention. Individuals experiencing ADHD may find it difficult to stay on task. They can be easily distracted by external stimuli and be seen as daydreaming. As a result, they can struggle with organisation and prioritisation of tasks.

Hyperactivity. Individuals with ADHD may fidget, squirm or talk excessively. They may find it difficult to sit still and stay quiet. Adults with hyperactivity often find it difficult to relax.

Impulsivity. Impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD. Individuals with ADHD may act without thinking about the consequences. For instance, they can engage in risky behaviour like substance abuse or reckless driving. Also, they may interrupt others in conversation and struggle to wait their turn.

Forgetfulness. Struggling with completing tasks that require sustained effort and attention is another common symptom experienced by those with ADHD. In addition, they may find it difficult to remember details. For instance, they may forget about appointments and lose things often.

Poor time management. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to manage their time effectively. For instance, they may be late systemically and underestimate the time required to complete tasks.

ADHD Types

There are three types of ADHD, depending on the main difficulties the person is experiencing.

1. Predominantly inattentive type

The person has symptoms of inattention, such as difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, and poor organisation skills.

2. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive

Hyperactivity symptoms include excessive movement, such as fidgeting, excessive energy, inability to stay still, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting their turn. Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences. A person with this type of ADHD may have fewer symptoms of inattention.

3. Combined presentation

A combination of both types. For example, a person may struggle with staying focused, forgetfulness, poor organisation skills, restlessness, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting their turn.

A person with ADHD may not fit neatly into one of the types above. A psychologist or psychiatrist can assess ADHD and provide a diagnosis based on your specific symptoms and circumstances.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

A comprehensive ADHD assessment ensures an accurate diagnosis to pinpoint symptoms and create effective treatment plans, management strategies and personalised support.

Diagnosing ADHD can be challenging, as the symptoms may be attributed to other conditions or dismissed as personality traits. Therefore, an ADHD assessment by an experienced Clinical Neuropsychologist or Psychologist is necessary to diagnose ADHD properly.

A Clinical Neuropsychologist or Psychologist can assess and treat developmental, learning, behavioural and cognitive health disorders.
A Psychiatrist has medical training and can assess and treat various mental health disorders and prescribe medications to address mental health symptoms.

An ADHD assessment typically involves thoroughly evaluating an individual’s medical, developmental, psychological, and behavioural history, as well as clinical examination and psychological testing (ADHD tests). The psychologist or psychiatrist will also consider the patient’s self-reported symptoms and experiences.

ADHD can be diagnosed at any age. However, the disorder begins in childhood. Therefore, when considering an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must be present before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting. For instance, the symptoms can not only occur at home.

What to expect during an ADHD Assessment?

Psychologists aim for clients to leave feeling comfortable and supported heading into the assessment. In the first session, clients can expect questions about their goals, the challenges they are experiencing daily, their early life experience, and their experience adapting to changes in their environment. A psychologist will use this information to develop an assessment and support plan. The subsequent sessions focus on assessment and information gathering to inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and recommendations. These include ADHD tests, standardised questionnaires, activities, and tasks designed to identify strengths and weaknesses. These activities may feel like games and are often timed.

What does an ADHD Assessment report include?

Typically, psychologists adapt their assessment reports according to each client’s goals and circumstances. Often, they include sections focused on the following:

Diagnosis
Consideration of ADHD criteria
Client strengths and difficulties
Personalised strategies and recommendations.

Find an ADHD Psychologist Near You

ADHD diagnostic assessment and treatment services are available in Brisbane and offered by qualified therapists.

ADHD assessment and symptom management are delivered through individual counselling sessions and can be tailored to meet your needs. Many therapists in Brisbane who offer ADHD-related services also have experience working with co-existing presentations, including anxiety and self-esteem issues.

You can find an ADHD psychologist online and call them to learn about their experience, qualifications, fees and availability. It is essential to ensure that the psychologist you choose is trained and experienced in conducting ADHD diagnostic assessments and treatment and understands the condition well.

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Make an Appointment

Send a request to a Psychologist in Brisbane by completing the form below.

ADHD Resources

Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Motivation

21/05/2023

Sources

AADAP – Australian ADHD Professionals Association – Summary of Recommendations

APA – American Psychiatry Association

HealthDirect – About ADHD

ADHD

Do you suspect you have ADHD?

Getting Started is Simple

1. Make an Appointment

2. Start ADHD Assessment

3. Benefits and Next Steps

ADHD Brisbane Psychologists

Dr Emily Hindman

Alicia Firth

Morgwn Paris

Dr Jane Austin

How an ADHD Diagnostic Assessment Can Help You

ADHD Treatment

Psychological Therapy and Strategies

Lifestyle Changes

Parent Support

Study Accommodations

ADHD Medication

More About ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD Symptoms

ADHD Types

1. Predominantly inattentive type

2. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive

3. Combined presentation

How is ADHD diagnosed?

What to expect during an ADHD Assessment?

What does an ADHD Assessment report include?

Find an ADHD Psychologist Near You

Make an Appointment

ADHD Resources

Understanding the Link Between ADHD and Motivation

FIND A PSYCHOLOGIST

ASSESSMENTS & THERAPIES

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