ADHD Treatment Australia provides ADHD assessments for adults across Australia via telehealth. After your assessment, your GP remains central in guiding your ongoing care. For up-to-date information about state-based ADHD regulations, please refer to official clinical guidance: aadpa.com.au

Psychiatrists are medical specialists trained to assess ADHD and identify other medical, neurodevelopmental, or mental health conditions that can influence symptoms. They provide a thorough evaluation and clinical recommendations to support your ongoing care, usually coordinated with your GP.

ADHD can lead to significant impairment in many areas of life. Common problems include academic and professional under-achievement – not reaching one’s potential. Addressing ADHD may help reduce the risk of problems associated with ADHD including accidents, substance use, affective dysregulation (mood swings/irritability), and communication/relationship problems. In addition to the personal frustration, turmoil and unfulfilled potential, in financial terms it is estimated that ADHD costs Australians $20.42 billion annually*.

*Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 1st EDITION 2022 (AADPA – Australian ADHD Professional Association).

While a general practitioner referral isn’t mandatory, in most cases ADHD can be managed by your GP after initial assessment by a psychiatrist. Without a GP referral no Medicare rebate is available.

The questionnaire helps your psychiatrist understand your experiences, history, and current challenges. It guides the assessment but does not replace the clinical consultation.

An initial ADHD assessment with our psychiatrist generally runs for 45–90 minutes, depending on your individual history and needs.

Following your consultation, your psychiatrist will provide a clinical report to your GP. If clinically appropriate, your psychiatrist may discuss and initiate treatment, guiding you through the early stabilisation period. Your GP may then take over ongoing care under a shared-care arrangement, depending on local prescribing regulations and their clinical discretion, and may refer you back for review when needed. You may also choose to book with one of our GPs with experience in ADHD care if this is appropriate for your circumstances.

It is estimated that around one million Australians are living with ADHD, and many remain undiagnosed. Historically, ADHD, especially the inattentive presentation, was frequently under-recognised in children. Only recently have we better understood that ADHD can persist into adulthood and continue to affect daily functioning if not identified and supported.

There are many evidence-based ways to support ADHD beyond medical approaches. These may include adjustments to sleep routines, time-management skills, lifestyle strategies, psychological support, and addressing any co-occurring challenges. Many people benefit from ongoing support from an ADHD-informed psychologist.

After your consultation a receipt will be emailed along with your report.  This receipt contains all the necessary information to claim your Medicare rebate online.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-online-account-help-submit-claim

State regulations generally require periodic psychiatric review for ongoing ADHD management. Most people have a review around every 1–2 years, though some psychiatrists may request earlier reviews based on their clinical judgement.

In 1994, the name of the disorder was changed in a way that is confusing for many people. Since that time all forms of attention deficit disorder are officially called “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder,” regardless of whether the individual has symptoms of hyperactivity or not. Even though these are the official labels, a lot of professionals and lay people still use both terms: ADD and ADHD. Some use those terms to designate the old subtypes; others use ADD just as a shorter way to refer to any presentation.

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of co-existing conditions. Such an evaluation requires time and effort and should include a careful history and a clinical assessment of the individual’s academic, social, and emotional functioning and developmental level.

Research suggests that adults with ADHD may face more challenges with healthy weight management. Some studies have found higher rates of overweight and obesity in both adults and children with ADHD compared to the general population. Factors such as impulsivity, sleep patterns, lifestyle habits, and co-occurring conditions may play a role.

More than two-thirds of individuals with ADHD have at least one co-occurring condition. These may include learning difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, sleep problems, disruptive behaviour patterns, or tics. Sometimes ADHD symptoms can overshadow these other challenges, so a thorough assessment helps ensure they are recognised and supported appropriately.

Supporting ADHD typically involves a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to the individual. This may include psychological strategies, skills training, behavioural support, educational adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and guidance from health professionals. The goal is to help individuals improve daily functioning, manage challenges, and build on their strengths.

No. Approximately 5% of adults have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). About one-third of children with ADHD continue to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis as adults. In early adulthood, ADHD may be associated with depression, mood or conduct disorders and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD often experience challenges at work, at home, or in relationships related to their symptoms. They may have inconsistent performance at work or in their careers, difficulty managing daily responsibilities, relationship problems, or chronic feelings of frustration, guilt, or blame.

Research suggests that youth with ADHD are at increased risk for very early cigarette use. Cigarette smoking is more common in adolescents with ADHD, and adults with ADHD have elevated rates of smoking and report particular difficulty in quitting. Youth with ADHD are twice as likely to become addicted to nicotine as individuals without ADHD.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have ADHD, it is important to speak with your doctor about your individual circumstances. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different support options and discuss the best approach for your wellbeing during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your care.