ADHD Assessment

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a person's behaviour and cognitive function. Adolescents and adults with ADHD often experience difficulties with the  following:

Inattention – difficulty sustaining attention, easily distracted, often forgetful. They may find it hard to organise themselves, plan effectively, finish tasks and are prone to procrastination.

Impulsivity – interrupts others, acts without thinking. People with impulsive type ADHD may find social interactions challenging, and may be known as people who intrude into situations without realising that they are interrupting others.  They may struggle to manage money, stick to jobs or relationships and find that maintaining friendships can be challenging. Waiting in queues, sitting in traffic is often maddening for them. 

Hyperactivity – restless, seems overly active, often fidgets. 

These symptoms often affect many aspects of a person's life, sometimes causing difficulties in social relationships, self-esteem and academic and job performance. If a person with ADHD doesn't receive  appropriate help in managing their symptoms, they are placed at a higher risk of risky behaviours, depression, anxiety, and relationship and occupational problems. As a result, it’s important to identify and treat ADHD as early as possible.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

At The Psych Edit, our Psychologists conduct a clinical interview which utilises the Young DIVA-5 or DIVA-5 assessment tool.  These assessments are our preferred choice for ADHD assessment due to its evidence-based foundation, ensuring a rigorous and reliable evaluation process supported by scientific research, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies. 

It may be useful to have a parent or partner present to ascertain the extent of the symptoms and when they have impacted a person across their life span, especially with regard to presentation during childhood. Our ADHD assessment process involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation – 50 minutes, with client, partner and parents where appropriate
2. Functional Assessment – 2 hours, individually 
3. Results Interpretation and Report Preparation – please allow 2 weeks following the assessment

Once reporting has been provided to the client and psychiatrist, where appropriate, clients are welcome to book in additional sessions with the psychologist. 

Our Psychologist Cassandra Tallon offers assessments for clients aged 8+ and Psychologist, Pragnya Indugula offers assessment for clients over 18 years. 

*Kindly be aware that The Psych Edit provides ADHD assessments specifically designed for fully verbal clients.