What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood. There are three different ways ADHD may occur, depending on which ADHD symptoms are most evident.
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organise or finish a task, pay attention to details, or follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard for them to sit still for long (e.g., for meals or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump, or climb constantly. This person may feel restless and have trouble with impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are present is equal amounts.
Approximately 20% of Australians have ADHD, and while it is more commonly diagnosed in boys, it is equally likely in both genders – boys simply tend to have hyperactivity and externalising symptoms. In contrast, girls tend to have inattentive ADHD symptoms. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in children, it can also be identified in adults.
Why get an ADHD Assessment?
ADHD is considered a chronic disorder and is known to impact many aspects of an individual’s life. Some areas affected may include academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. ADHD can also lead to poor self-esteem and social function issues in children, when not appropriately treated. Adults with ADHD may also experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism (this can stem from higher levels of criticism throughout life).
An ADHD diagnosis can help individuals gain access to:
- Extra support in schools
- Medications
- Psychological treatments and intervention
Why use Mindstate Psychology?
There is considerable symptomatic overlap between ADHD and other psychological and developmental disorders. Receiving any diagnosis is a big step, and you want to be sure you receive the right diagnosis. Mindstate Psychology has qualified psychologists experienced in administering both the necessary cognitive tests and assessment questionnaires.
Our psychologists are also willing to liaise with other professionals as necessary. With experienced psychologists liaising with other health experts, you can be confident that you will receive the latest, evidence-informed diagnosis and treatments.
Our team is particularly excited about Neurofeedback, which is a ground-breaking, painless and drug-free intevention, which has been gaining consistently positive evidence for use in helping manage ADHD. You can find out more about Neurofeedback for ADHD here.