Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD Assessment at Delta Neuropsychology Melbourne
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD may experience concentration difficulties, are easily distractible, may have trouble controlling impulsive behaviours, or are overly active.
ADHD Types
There are 3 different ways ADHD can present itself:
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Inattentive symptoms — a person is easily distractible but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive.
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Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms — a person has symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
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Combined symptoms — a person has a mixture of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Inattentive Symptoms:
Individuals who have ADHD - Inattentive Type may experience the following symptoms:
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a tendency to start but not finish tasks
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putting off or discontinuing tasks that require sustained effort
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being easily distracted or have a tendency to daydream
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not following instructions
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being forgetful
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losing things
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having difficulty organising tasks, activities, belongings or time
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not paying attention to detail and making careless mistakes
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struggling to focus and concentrate on tasks they find boring or tedious
Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms:
Individuals who have ADHD - Hyperactive/Impulsive Type may experience the following symptoms:
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fidgety and restlessness
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talking at a fast rate, and interrupting conversations
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blurting out answers before the question has been finished
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reacting quickly to situations without thinking about the consequences
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finding boredom intolerable
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seeks stimulation frequently
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participating in risk taking or dangerous behaviour
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choosing a smaller reward now rather than a larger reward later
In some individuals, inattentive ADHD symptoms may not be identified until high school (or later) when there are increased demands at school or at work. Individuals may have also developed compensation strategies that may mask their symptoms.
What is involved in an ADHD Assessment?
1
Referral
While a GP referral is helpful, you do not need a referral for an ADHD assessment at Delta Neuropsychology. An ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical interview and assessment, and your neuropsychologist will likely request for more background medical information (possibly from your GP) during your session.
3
Clinical Interview
At Delta Neuropsychology Melbourne, we follow the Australian Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD.
The approach we take for assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and support occurs within a holistic, multidisciplinary framework.
Following best practice guidelines, all of our ADHD assessments start with a clinical interview. In this session, our neuropsychologist will explore your concerns, abilities, strengths, difficulties, challenges, developmental, medical and psychosocial history. This will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
ADHD Assessment
Next is the ADHD assessment process which involves questionnaires, and cognitive testing (where needed). The number and type of tests required will be specific to your individual concerns and needs, and will be informed by the initial clinical interview. Your neuropsychologist will also be conducting interviews with family and friends that you nominate. ADHD assessment and interviews will take between 2 and 2.5 hours altogether. Where possible, school reports from childhood will also be requested.
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5
Formulation and Report
Following ADHD assessment and interviews, our neuropsychologist will spend many hours reviewing your assessments and sessions. They will then formulate a written report, with recommendations and a feedback session
6
Feedback Session
A feedback session will be scheduled around 2 to 3 weeks after you complete your assessment. The feedback session will be up to 1 hour, at which time, your neuropsychologist will provide you with a comprehensive written report and verbal explanation of the assessment results and recommendations regarding treatment and intervention. The aim of the feedback session is to provide you with clarity regarding a diagnosis and the opportunity to ask questions.
Your report will include practical, easy-to-adopt strategies for you to use, to make immediate improvements in the quality of your life.
