ADHD Assessments Perth.

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.

What is the process for an ADHD assessment?

To properly diagnose ADHD, a child or adult should have a combination of psychological assessment and clinical interviews. Assessment length varies depending on the complexity of the case. Assessments require an in-person appointment, which takes approximately 2- 3 hours (this may need to be done over two sessions for young children). This assessment will involve cognitive testing and clinical interviews (sometimes called diagnostic interviews). Questionnaires will also be used. A client may complete self-report questionnaires. Family members or teachers (for school-age children) may also be asked to complete questionnaires. Clients may also be asked to provide school reports or other supporting documentation.

In the assessment process, all this information is collated, analysed, and interpreted to determine what (if any) diagnosis is appropriate. A full report is then provided. Recommendations for treatment and other interventions can also be discussed once the report is completed. This report can be provided to schools, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals to help the client access the additional support they require.

What is the cost of an ADHD assessment?

The cost of an ADHD assessment depends on the complexity of the case, the psychometric and cognitive measures required and the practitioner. A standard ADHD assessment costs $1600, and includes clinical interviews, diagnostic questionnaires, a cognitive assessment and a written report.

It is important to note that in some cases, additional psychometric testing may be required to receive an accurate differential diagnosis. During the initial appointment, your assessing psychologist will let you know if any additional testing is required and how much this is likely to cost.

ADHD assessments are not eligible for Medicare rebates. However, private health insurance may help cover some or all of the assessment costs. Because the level of coverage varies significantly between providers and funds, you will need to confirm any eligibility with your provider directly.

After the Diagnosis: Living with ADHD

At Mindstate Psychology, we are proud to offer a range of support and treatment options for individuals living with ADHD. With senior psychologists who have lived experiences with ADHD, we can offer a unique, integrated model of support and treatment. This includes helping individuals develop strategies for living with ADHD as part of psychological therapy or through neurofeedback. Mindstate psychology also liaises with other health professionals to provide pathways to medication.