Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment

Psychologists at BlueSky Psychology are able to provide an assessment to determine whether an individual qualifies for a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Please call us on 08 8212 3944 or email info@blueskypsychology.com.au if you wish to book in for an assessment.

What is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD may have difficulty focusing, following through on tasks, staying organized, sitting still, or waiting their turn in conversations and activities.

ADHD is classified into three main types:

  1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Individuals have significant difficulty with attention but may not exhibit hyperactive behaviours.
  2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Individuals struggle mainly with hyperactivity and impulsivity but may not have significant attention difficulties.
  3. Combined Presentation: Individuals exhibit both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

ADHD can lead to a range of challenges across various aspects of life, impacting both children and adults.

Some of the main problems commonly associated with ADHD can include:

  1. Academic and Work Difficulties

  • Difficulty with Focus and Organization: Struggling to stay focused on tasks, remember assignments, or manage time can lead to missed deadlines, poor grades, or underperformance at work.
  • Low Productivity: Difficulty completing tasks can affect job performance, often leading to missed promotions or even job loss.
  • Frequent Mistakes and Oversights: Careless mistakes and a tendency to overlook details are common, especially in tasks that require sustained attention.
  1. Social and Relationship Challenges
  • Difficulty with Social Cues: Trouble paying attention in conversations and impulsive comments can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships.
  • Impulsivity in Relationships: Acting without thinking can result in conflicts, especially in close relationships or friendships.
  • Emotional Dysregulation: Many people with ADHD experience intense emotions and may struggle with frustration, irritability, or impatience, which can impact interactions with others.

  1. Mental Health Problems

  • Increased Risk for Anxiety and Depression: The stress of managing ADHD symptoms, combined with social or work challenges, can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
  • Substance Use Disorders: Some people with ADHD may turn to substances to cope with symptoms, leading to increased risk for addiction.

  1. Behavioural and Impulsive Issues

  • Risk-Taking Behavior: Impulsivity can lead to risky behaviors, such as reckless driving, impulsive spending, or unsafe sexual behavior, which can have serious consequences.
  • Procrastination and Poor Impulse Control: A tendency to put off tasks or make quick, unplanned decisions can interfere with daily responsibilities and long-term goals.

  1. Chronic Stress and Low Self-Esteem

  • Feelings of Underachievement: Constantly struggling to meet expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and chronic stress.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Many people with ADHD feel misunderstood or stigmatized, leading to feelings of low self-worth.

  1. Financial Difficulties

  • Poor Money Management: Impulse spending, difficulty with budgeting, and procrastination in paying bills can lead to financial problems.
  • Employment Instability: Job-related challenges can result in frequent job changes or inconsistent income.

  1. Physical Health Issues

  • Sleep Problems: ADHD is associated with difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or maintaining regular sleep patterns.
  • Poor Self-Care: Forgetting or neglecting regular health check-ups, medication adherence, and self-care routines can negatively impact physical health.

These challenges vary widely in severity from person to person and can often be managed with treatment strategies like cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes tailored to the individual’s needs, medication prescribed by a doctor, coaching, or support from family and friends. Early diagnosis and support can help manage symptoms effectively. Call us on 08 8212 3944 or email info@blueskypsychology.com.au if you would like to discuss the challenges you are currently facing.

What does an ADHD assessment by a Psychologist at BlueSky Psychology involve?

An ADHD assessment typically involves several steps to get a clear picture of your symptoms, behaviour, and functioning. These are the typical components:

  1. Clinical Interview

  • History Taking: Our BlueSky Psychologist will ask about your personal and family medical history, school or work performance, social relationships, and any previous mental health or developmental concerns.
  • Symptom Review: Our Psychologist will ask about specific ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) and how long they’ve been present, whether they occur in multiple settings (like home and work/school), and how they impact your daily functioning.
  • Life Impact: Our Psychologist will explore how these symptoms affect the different aspects of your life, such as academics, career, and relationships.

  1. Behavioural Questionnaires and Rating Scales

  • Self-Report Scales: Common tools that would be administered include the Adult ADHD Self-report Rating Scale 5 (ASRS-5)
  • Parent, Teacher, or Partner Reports: For children and adolescents, input from teachers and parents is valuable, as they see the child in various contexts. For adults, a partner or family member might also be asked to complete a questionnaire.

  1. Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing

  • Cognitive, Attention and Executive Functioning Tests: Cognitive tests such the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-I) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), as well as other Psychological measures may be used to assess working memory, problem-solving, planning abilities and attention span and give an overall picture of your cognitive strengths and challenges.

  1. Screening for Comorbid Conditions

  • Since ADHD often co-occurs with other conditions (like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities), our psychologist will assess for these as well, using structured interviews or questionnaires.

  1. Behavioural Observations

  • During testing, the psychologist will observe the person’s behaviour, noting signs of inattention, restlessness, or impulsivity that may support the ADHD diagnosis.

  1. Review of School or Work Records (if applicable)

  • For children and young adults, report cards, teacher comments, and standardised test results can provide additional context and track patterns over time.

  1. Feedback and Diagnosis

  • After the assessment, the psychologist will review findings and determine whether the individual meets the criteria for ADHD. If so, they may discuss treatment options like behavioural therapy, coaching, or referrals for medication evaluation.

This thorough, multi-step approach helps ensure a well-rounded understanding of the person’s unique symptoms and needs, allowing for accurate diagnosis and tailored recommendations. Please contact us to enquire about an ADHD assessment on 08 8212 3944 or email info@blueskypsychology.com.au

Please note a psychologist cannot prescribe medication and can provide a ‘psychological diagnosis’ of ADHD and create a treatment plant through therapy, behavioural strategies, etc.

A psychiatrist can prescribe medication and typically provides a ‘medical diagnosis’ of ADHD and creates a treatment plan typically involving medication only.

Due to this difference between diagnosis, some psychiatrists may require an assessment of their own to confirm the ‘medical diagnosis’ of ADHD on top of the ‘psychological diagnosis’.

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What are the causes of ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a complex condition, and its exact causes are not fully understood. However, research suggests several potential factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD:

  1. Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families, indicating a genetic component. Certain genes associated with neurotransmitters like dopamine may play a role.
  2. Brain Structure and Function: Studies have shown differences in the brain structure and activity of individuals with ADHD. Areas of the brain involved in attention and impulse control may develop differently in those with ADHD.
  3. Environmental Factors: Certain environmental influences, such as exposure to toxins (e.g., lead), prenatal exposure to substances (e.g., alcohol or tobacco), and premature birth, may increase the risk of developing ADHD.
  4. Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, may affect attention and impulse control.
  5. Diet: Some studies suggest that certain dietary factors, such as food additives or a lack of certain nutrients, could influence ADHD symptoms, although this area requires more research.
  6. Socioeconomic Factors: Children whose lives involve social or economic stressors may be more at risk to develop symptoms of ADHD, although socioeconomic status itself is not a direct cause.
  7. Psychosocial Factors: Family dynamics, parenting styles, and exposure to high-stress environments may also impact the severity of ADHD symptoms, but they are not considered direct causes.

It’s important to note that ADHD is likely the result of a combination of these factors rather than a single cause. If you have concerns about ADHD, it can be helpful to discuss these issues with one of our Psychologists who may be able to provide guidance and support.

Is ADHD often accompanied by other diagnoses?

Yes, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is often accompanied by other conditions, a phenomenon known as “comorbidity.” Common co-occurring conditions with ADHD include:

  1. Anxiety Disorders: Many people with ADHD also have anxiety, which can exacerbate focus and attention difficulties.
  2. Depression: ADHD can make managing daily tasks and social interactions challenging, which sometimes leads to depressive symptoms.
  3. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): This condition is characterized by a pattern of anger, irritability, and defiant behaviour, and is more common in children with ADHD.
  4. Learning Disabilities: ADHD can be linked to issues with reading, writing, and math, though it’s distinct from specific learning disorders.
  5. Mood Disorders: Bipolar disorder and ADHD can co-occur, though this combination requires careful diagnosis as symptoms may overlap.
  6. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ADHD and ASD can co-exist, with overlapping symptoms like difficulty with social cues or organization.
  7. Sleep Disorders: Many people with ADHD experience sleep issues, including insomnia and delayed sleep phase disorder.
  8. Substance Use Disorders: Some adults with ADHD may have a higher risk of developing substance use issues, especially if the ADHD remains untreated.

These co-occurring conditions can sometimes complicate diagnosis and treatment, making a comprehensive assessment by a Psychologist important for effective care.

It’s important to note that the assessment process can vary based on age, the specific concerns being addressed, and the practices of the professionals involved. If you have particular concerns or questions or wish to book in for a comprehensive ADHD Assessment by an experienced Psychologist, please contact us on 08 8212 3944 or via email on info@blueskypsychology.com.au

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BlueSky Psychology Level 10, 108 King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000. Phone 08 8212 3944

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