ADHD assessments and treatments

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If you suspect you may have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), seeking an assessment is an essential first step. The ADHD assessment process typically involves two (sometimes more) interviews, gathering collateral information from family, friends, and school reports, as well as completing psychometric testing. This guide aims to provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect during your ADHD assessment, helping to alleviate any anxiety you may have.

Interview 1: Clinical Evaluation

• During your first interview, you'll discuss your concerns, medical history, and any symptoms you've been experiencing. This is also an opportunity to explore potential coexisting conditions that may mimic ADHD, which should be addressed before proceeding with the assessment.
• You'll be asked about your developmental milestones, childhood behaviours, and any family history of ADHD, autism, or related conditions.
• Expect questions about your ADHD-related symptoms, including difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Be open and honest in sharing your experiences.
• You'll discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life, including school or work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Interview 2: Further Evaluation and Feedback

• Review of Findings: In your second interview, your healthcare provider will review the information gathered from the first interview, collateral sources, and psychometric testing.
• Diagnosis Discussion: If ADHD is diagnosed, your healthcare provider will explain the diagnosis in detail and discuss recommended treatment options, which often include behavioral therapies, involvement of an ADHD coach, and sometimes medication.
• Treatment Plan: A personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your unique needs. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your preferences.

 In some cases, blood tests or other medical investigations may be necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.

 Such as testing of your heart or neuroimaging may be recommended if there are concerns about other neurological conditions. 

In rare cases, you may be required to see a cardiologist or a neurologist before considering medication.

With your consent, your healthcare provider may request information from family members, close friends, and teachers who have observed your behaviors over time. This comprehensive input helps assess your developmental history, childhood behaviors, family history of ADHD, daily functioning, and academic performance, ensuring a more accurate assessment and personalized treatment plan. 

Several medical conditions can mimic or be mistaken for ADHD in adults. Some common medical conditions that may be confused with ADHD:

• Anxiety and mood disorders: Anxiety and mood disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder or depression, can present like ADHD, with difficulties concentrating, with low motivation, or poor attention.

• Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome, can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Sometimes you might be asked to have a sleep study, especially if you report feeling tired first thing in the morning, or people say that you stop breathing or snore while sleeping.

• Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as high levels of impulsivity, distractibility or racing thoughts.

• Thyroid problems: Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can cause symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty with concentration, which can be mistaken for ADHD.

• Substance use: Substance use, such as stimulant medications, heavy coffee use or illicit drugs, can present like ADHD, with symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, or difficulty paying attention.

• Traumatic brain injury: Traumatic head or brain injury can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as difficulty with attention, memory, or executive functioning.

It's important to note that an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms. Other medical conditions that may mimic ADHD will need to be ruled out before a diagnosis of ADHD can made.

Research has shown that while the core symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) are similar between men and women, there are differences in how these symptoms manifest in each gender. Here are some of the main differences:

• Inattention: Women are more likely to have the inattentive sub-type of ADHD, which means they have difficulty with attention and focus but may not have as many problems with hyperactivity or impulsivity. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed, as their symptoms may be less noticeable than those of men with ADHD.

• Socialisation and internalising symptoms: Women with ADHD tend to be more socially inhibited and internalise their symptoms, meaning they may not be as disruptive as men with ADHD. This can make it harder for women to be diagnosed, as their symptoms may not be as obvious.

• Social skills: Some women with ADHD may have better-developed social skills than some men with ADHD. They may be better at masking their symptoms in social situations and may be more attuned to social cues and expectations.

• Emotional regulation: Some women with ADHD may struggle more with emotional regulation than some men with ADHD. They may be more prone to anxiety and depression and may have difficulty managing their emotions in response to stress or frustration.

• Diagnosis: Women with ADHD are often diagnosed later in life than men with ADHD. This may be partly because they may exhibit fewer outward symptoms of the disorder and may be better at masking their symptoms to fit social expectations.

Overall, it's important to remember that every person with ADHD is unique and that symptoms can vary widely, even within each gender. ADHD affects everyone differently and may present differently across different stages of development and life events.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are two distinct neurodevelopmental disorders that can persist into adulthood. While they share some common features, they also have important differences. Here are some of the common features and important differences between ADHD and ASD in adults:

Common Features:

• Executive function deficits: Both ADHD and ASD can affect executive function in adults, including difficulties with planning, organisation, time management, and working memory.

• Social communication difficulties: Adults with ADHD and ASD may have difficulties with social communication, such as understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in reciprocal conversations.

• Sensory processing issues: Both disorders can involve sensory processing issues in adults, such as being oversensitive or under sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as sounds, textures, and smells.

• Co-occurring conditions: Adults with ADHD and ASD may also have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Important Differences:

• Attention and Hyperactivity: ADHD is characterised by inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, while these symptoms are not a defining feature of ASD.

• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours: Adults with ASD may have more pronounced restricted interests and repetitive behaviours than adults with ADHD.

• Communication challenges: While both disorders can involve social communication difficulties, the nature of the communication challenges may differ. Adults with ASD may have more difficulty with understanding abstract language and sarcasm, while adults with ADHD may have difficulty with the pragmatics of language, such as taking turns in conversation.

• Diagnosis: ADHD is typically diagnosed based on inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, while ASD is typically diagnosed based on symptoms of social communication difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours.

It's important to note that while there are similarities and differences between ADHD and ASD in adults, each individual will have a unique presentation of symptoms. 

If we have decided to start this medication, you will have been provided with a titration schedule. Sometimes, it does end up in Spam or junk folders, so please check there.

If you can't find it, or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email reception@bluewaterhealth.com.au

If we have decided to start this medication, you will have been provided with a titration schedule. Sometimes, it does end up in Spam or junk folders, so please check there.

If you can't find it, or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email reception@bluewaterhealth.com.au

If we have decided to start this medication, you will have been provided with a titration schedule. Sometimes, it does end up in Spam or junk folders, so please check there.

If you can't find it, or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email reception@bluewaterhealth.com.au