ADHD assessments and treatments

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 We are happy to provide ADHD assessments. These are booked over multiple sessions — both for assessment and to allow space for treatment planning if needed. This means that once we begin working together, you won’t experience long gaps between appointments.

Fees for these sessions are the same as any other follow-up appointment and are based on the time required.

If you have previously seen a psychiatrist for ADHD treatment, please contact the clinic by email or phone before booking. We will need copies of previous specialist letters.

Although we are fortunate to work closely with many Clinical Psychologists and Occupational Therapists, a neuropsychology assessment is not required to make an appointment, and it does not speed up the process.

As part of the assessment, we may need to speak with people who know you well — such as a partner, parent, or sibling — to help build a complete picture.

We take a holistic approach to mental health. This means we may need to stabilise other conditions before completing an ADHD assessment or starting treatment, to ensure your care is safe and effective.

Stimulant prescribing is highly regulated. A urine drug screen is required before commencing medication and at intervals throughout treatment.

Please note that having multiple prescribers involved in your stimulant medication will result in discharge from our service, as this breaches prescribing regulations, our treatment contract and compromises safe care.

Please note: We do not provide one-off assessments or 291 assessments. Our service focuses on ongoing care, working alongside your GP once your condition is stable.

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.

With your consent, we may seek input from people who know you well—such as family, close friends, or teachers—to better understand your developmental history, day-to-day functioning, and any past behaviours relevant to an ADHD assessment.

Occasionally, blood tests or other investigations are needed to rule out medical conditions that can mimic ADHD. If there are concerns about heart or neurological issues, further testing (including cardiology or neuroimaging) may be recommended.
In rare cases, you may need to see a cardiologist or neurologist before starting medication.

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, 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.

 ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are separate neurodevelopmental conditions that can continue into adulthood. 

They share some similarities but also have key differences.

Shared Features:

• Difficulties with executive functioning (planning, organisation, time management, working memory)
   
• Social communication challenges
   
• Sensory sensitivities
   
• Higher rates of co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
   

Key Differences:

• ADHD is defined by inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity; these are not core features of ASD.
   
• ASD involves restricted interests and repetitive behaviours, which are generally more prominent than in ADHD.
   
• Communication profiles differ: adults with ASD may struggle more with abstract language and sarcasm, while adults with ADHD may have difficulty with conversational flow or turn-taking.
   
• Diagnostic criteria differ, with ADHD focused on attention/hyperactivity and ASD focused on social communication plus restricted/repetitive behaviours.. 

ADHD presents differently in women compared with men, even though the core symptoms are the same.

• Inattention is more common in women, and they often have fewer hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This can make their ADHD less noticeable.
   
• Women tend to internalise symptoms and appear less disruptive, leading to missed or delayed diagnosis.
   
• Social masking is more common in women, who may appear socially skilled while hiding difficulties.
   
• Emotional regulation issues—including higher rates of anxiety and depression—can be more prominent in women.
   
• Diagnosis often occurs later because their symptoms are subtler and better concealed.

I If we’ve commenced this medication, you will have been given a titration schedule. Please check your spam or junk folders if you can’t find it. If it’s still missing, or if you have any questions, please email 

reception@bluewaterhealth.com.au.

Please do not start the medication without this schedule.