ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment

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.

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ADHD Diagnosis Psychologist Brisbane

Morgwn Paris

Clinical Psychologist

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Child, Adolescent, Adult ADHD

Alicia Firth

Registered Psychologist

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Adult ADHD

Dr Jane Austin

Clinical Psychologist

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Adult ADHD

Chris Hepperlin

Clinical Psychologist

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Adult ADHD

Gerhard Venter

Clinical Psychologist

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Adult ADHD

What is ADHD?

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 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.

Adult ADHD Diagnosis

Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be challenging, as the symptoms may be attributed to other conditions or dismissed as personality traits. Therefore, an ADHD assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist with training in ADHD is necessary to diagnose ADHD in adults properly.

A 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, clinical examination and psychological testing. 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.

Adult ADHD Treatment Brisbane

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

ADHD Medication

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

Therapy can be an effective tool for adults with ADHD.
- 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.
- While not a treatment for ADHD, Couples Counselling can also be helpful for people experiencing difficulties in their relationships, as it is not an uncommon problem in adults with ADHD. Coaching or support groups may also be beneficial.
Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and improving sleep habits, can also help manage ADHD symptoms in adults.

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

Finding an ADHD Psychologist – Assessment and Treatment Brisbane

ADHD assessment and treatment are available in Brisbane and offered by qualified therapists in private practice.

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 or send them an online booking request 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 assessments or ADHD treatment and understands the condition well.

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