Assessment of ADHD (Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder )
What is ADHD?
Key features of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) include inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Whilst everyone may experience some of these difficulties from time-to-time, ADHD involves a persistent pattern of symptoms that begins in early childhood. These symptoms often cause problems with the individual’s schooling or work, friendships, and family life.
ADHD is grouped into three main types (presentations):
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation – the individual is easily distractible but isn’t overly hyperactive or impulsive.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation – the individual has difficulty with hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- Combined Presentation – the individual has inattentive, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
What are common symptoms of ADHD?
Inattentive symptoms
- Often making careless mistakes
- Being easily distractible
- Struggling to focus and concentrate on tasks they find boring or tedious.
- Often losing items
- Difficulty organising tasks, activities, or time.
- Often forgetting appointments, events, or other obligations
- Not following instructions
- Putting off tasks that require a lot of mental effort.
Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
- Often feeling restless
- Frequent fidgeting and squirming
- Struggling to remain seated
- Blurting out answers, before questions have been finished
- Talking non-stop and interrupting conversations
- Reacting quickly to situation without thinking
- Participating in risk taking or dangerous behaviour
How is ADHD assessed?
Assessment of ADHD involves a detailed assessment of behaviour. Information is typically gathered from multiple people, such as a parent, teacher and the person being assessed. There are clear criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) that are used by paediatricians and psychologists to diagnose ADHD.
Medical assessment is also recommended to explore other undiagnosed disorders or health problems that can mimic, exacerbate, or better explain symptoms of ADHD, for example, hearing impairment, sleep deprivation, or some genetic conditions.
At Progressive Psychology, assessment takes place over a few sessions. Whilst the process may vary slightly on a case-by-case basis, here is a run-down of the typical appointments:
Children and adolescents:
- Parent or primary caregiver interview
The psychologist will ask questions about the child’s developmental history, family history, health, social, educational and demographic information and past treatment. - Child interview
The psychologist will meet the child, to observe the child’s behaviours and gain an understanding of symptoms from the child’s point of view. - Administration of cognitive assessment and structured clinical interview/questionnaires.
- Feedback appointment
Adults:
- Background history interview
The psychologist will ask questions about the adult’s developmental history, family history, health, social, educational, and demographic information, and past treatment. - Clinical diagnostic interview
The psychologist will interview the adult, and others who know the adult well, such as a parent or long-term partner. - A cognitive assessment may also be administered if warranted.
- Feedback appointment
If you would like to book an ADHD assessment, please contact the team at Progressive Psychology on 0477 798 932.
Chelsie Priestley is a Provisional Psychologist at Progressive Psychology.