One of the most common referral questions I get is for an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment. ADHD is an often misunderstood disorder and it can be difficult to diagnose due to the fact that many of its symptoms can overlap with other psychological disorders. Whilst it is usually assessed in childhood, many adults with longstanding symptoms often seek assessment in order to better understand their difficulties and how they can help themselves.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental disorder which is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. ADHD is a fairly common mental health disorder which begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is generally more commonly diagnosed in males than females.
A diagnosis of ADHD is categorised into three types;
1) Predominantly inattentive type;
2) Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type; or
3) Combined presentation (i.e. a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms).
Common inattentive symptoms include:
- Failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes
- Having difficulty sustaining attention
- Not seeming to listen when spoken to
- Having trouble following instructions
- Having difficulty organising tasks
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention
- Losing things
- Being easily distracted
- Being forgetful in daily activities
Common hyperactive-impulsive symptoms include:
- Fidgeting, squirming in seat
- Leaving seat when seating is expected
- Running about, climbing excessively
- Difficulty playing or engaging in activities quietly
- Being “on the go” or act as if driven by a motor
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out the answers before a question is completed
- Having difficulty waiting turns
- Interrupting or intruding on others
In order to meet full diagnostic criteria for ADHD, a person must meet at least 5-6 symptoms in one or two of the categories and the symptoms must have a significant impact upon social, academic, or occupational functioning. The symptoms also need to be present in two or more settings (i.e. at home, school, or work; with friends and family; in other activities).
Individuals with ADHD often present with other disorders including Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Learning Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Mood Disorders.
How can a Psychologist help with ADHD?
Psychologists who have specialist training and experience can provide an assessment for ADHD which will:
- Formally evaluate whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD,
- Give a better understanding of an individual’s cognitive and learning profile,
- Provide recommendations for treatment, and
- Provide support for special consideration in school, university or the workplace.
Psychologists can also offer treatment for ADHD with the focus being on behavioural strategies that are likely to benefit individuals. However, Psychologists do not prescribe medication for ADHD. If the need for medication is indicated, a referral to a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist is warranted.
What does an ADHD assessment involve?
At Eastside Psychology Clinic, a careful and thorough approach is taken towards assessments of ADHD for both children and adults. The overall assessment usually takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.Psychological tests used are all highly reliable, valid and up-to-date and include the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – 5th edition (WISC-V) or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale –4th Edition (WAIS-IV), the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS). An ADHD assessment involves:
Clinical interview: During the clinical interview, information is gathered in the following areas (where applicable): developmental history, behavioural history, medical history, educational history, employment history, social history, alcohol/drug history, and psychiatric history. During this interview, other issues that may account for ADHD symptoms will be explored to make sure that there is no other underlying factor behind the symptoms.
Formal cognitive testing: A range of standardised psychological tests that measure intellectual abilities (verbal comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed), focused and sustained attentional abilities, and executive functioning are administered. Should there be additional concerns about academic functioning (e.g. reading, writing, numeracy), further tests can be added.
Standardised questionnaires: For children, questionnaires measuring symptoms will be distributed to parents, teachers and the child (if they are old enough). For adults, the client (and where possible a close family member) will be asked to complete questionnaires as part of the assessment.
Interpretation and Report: Once the interview, cognitive testing and questionnaires are completed, I will spend time scoring and interpreting the overall assessment results. Reports will be prepared and are usually available in approximately 2-3 weeks from the date of assessment. If you require a report by a specific date or if you need specific forms completed, please let me know at the initial consultation. Reports include detailed information about the results of your assessment and personalised recommendations for treatment (usually 10-12 pages in total length).
To make an enquiry about whether you or someone you know may benefit from an ADHD assessment, please get in touch.