Frequently Asked Questions about ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis
Do I receive a formal ADHD diagnosis?
Yes, once the assessment process has been completed, your assessing psychologist will inform you as to whether you meet the criteria for ADHD diagnosis. This will be included in the comprehensive report, which you can provide to your psychiatrist, who may confirm your diagnosis and prescribe medication as required.
This report can also be provided to schools, universities and workplaces to get additional assistance or accommodations.
What if I’ve been misdiagnosed with another mental health condition?
ADHD can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. A thorough assessment ensures an accurate diagnosis, leading to more effective treatment and support. If you believe you've been misdiagnosed with another mental health condition, you should discuss your concerns with your treating practitioner or GP first.
What are the benefits of receiving a formal ADHD diagnosis?
A formal ADHD diagnosis provides clarity and validation, helping people with ADHD understand their symptoms are due to a neurodevelopmental condition, not personal shortcomings. It opens access to tailored support, including psychological therapy for ADHD, workplace adjustments, and academic accommodations. A diagnosis also connects individuals with support groups, improves relationships through better communication, and reduces stigma. Ultimately, it empowers people to manage ADHD more effectively and advocate for their needs.
Can an assessment benefit my mental health?
Many people with ADHD experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or frustration due to undiagnosed symptoms. An assessment can validate your experiences and provide guidance on managing emotions, reducing stress, and improving daily functioning.
Will I be given medication for my ADHD?
No, psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. While we can provide a formal ADHD diagnosis, only psychiatrists or pediatricians can prescribe medication for ADHD in Perth and across Australia.
Do I have to take stimulant medication if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
No, stimulant medication is not the only treatment option available for individuals with ADHD. Several alternative treatments and evidence-based therapies can also be effective in managing ADHD symptoms.
Psychological therapy (or individual therapy) for ADHD focuses on developing coping strategies to manage symptoms more effectively. This can include support for emotional reactivity, time management, and procrastination. Therapy can help individuals create personalised strategies to navigate daily challenges.
Another option is neurofeedback, an advanced biofeedback that "retrains" the brain's patterns to promote a more focused state. Recent research indicates that neurofeedback can be as effective as medication, with longer-lasting effects. The World Health Organisation and the American Academy of Pediatrics recognise neurofeedback as an effective treatment option.
Additionally, some individuals choose to forgo treatment altogether and instead use their diagnosis to access additional support at work, school, or university. This can include accommodations and resources that help manage ADHD symptoms in different environments.
Can I access other treatments for ADHD, such as therapy?
Yes, Mindstate Psychology offers a range of services to assist individuals struggling with symptoms of ADHD. This includes psychological therapy for ADHD and neurofeedback.
During therapy, your psychologist focuses on helping you develop coping strategies that make the management of ADHD symptoms easier. This can include support for emotional reactivity, time management and procrastination. You can discover more about psychological therapy for ADHD here.
Neurofeedback for ADHD uses advanced biofeedback to "retrain" your brain's patterns of thinking to be in a more focused state. Recent research suggests that neurofeedback can be as effective as medications but with significantly longer-lasting effects. Discover more about neurofeedback for ADHD.
Is there a difference between Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Yes, there is a difference between Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), though the terms are often used interchangeably. ADD was historically used to describe individuals who had difficulty with attention but did not exhibit significant hyperactivity. In contrast, ADHD includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity.
Today, ADHD is the official medical diagnosis and includes three main presentations. The predominantly inattentive presentation, formerly known as ADD, is characterised mainly by difficulties with attention and focus without significant hyperactive or impulsive behaviours. The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation includes symptoms like fidgeting, excessive talking, and difficulty staying seated without significant issues with inattention. The combined presentation includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Understanding these distinctions helps in recognising the specific challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and allows for more tailored interventions and support.
Are ADHD assessments eligible for Medicare rebates?
Medicare rebates are only for the treatment of specific psychological conditions. Unfortunately, this means that most of the ADHD diagnosis process is not eligible for Medicare rebates.
While the initial consultation with your assessing psychologist is eligible for Medicare rebates, you must have a GP mental healthcare plan from your doctor to claim the rebate.
Some private health funds may cover psychological assessments, however, this can vary between individual funds and plans so you must check with your fund directly.
Do I need a referral to get an ADHD assessment in Perth?
No, you do not need a GP referral to receive an ADHD assessment.
If you have a referral, please forward it to our reception before your appointment. Some portions of the ADHD assessment process, such as the initial interview, are eligible for Medicare rebates.
Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
Prior to starting the formal assessment process, you will meet with one of our experienced psychologists to ensure that an ADHD assessment is right for you. You do not need to bring anything specific to this first appointment.
After your first appointment, you may be advised to provide a copy of materials such as school reports or other previous diagnostic assessments for your current assessing psychologist to review.
Can I bring a support person to the assessment appointments?
Yes, you can bring a support person to any appointment as part of your ADHD assessment. During the assessment for children, we require an adult to be present for the initial appointment.
Please be aware that you will be asked personal questions regarding your mental health, social interactions, and other neurodevelopmental disorders you may have.
What is the process for an ADHD assessment in Perth, Western Australia?
An ADHD assessment at Mindstate Psychology involves several steps designed to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The process begins with an initial interview with a psychologist to discuss symptoms and concerns and to ensure that an ADHD assessment is the right option for you. This interview is followed by the completion of questionnaires and cognitive assessments. These tools help the psychologist gather detailed information about your behaviour, attention, and hyperactivity levels.
For children, the assessment also includes discussions with primary caregivers and input from other professionals, such as teachers, to get a well-rounded view of the child's behaviour across different settings. The assessment is based on clinical observation since there is no specific medical test for ADHD.
Once the assessment is complete, the psychologist uses specific diagnostic criteria to determine if ADHD is present. The psychologist then shares the results of this comprehensive assessment as a report during a feedback session with you.
What’s unique about seeking an ADHD assessment from Mindstate Psychology?
Mindstate Psychology is located in South Perth and is 100% committed to your mental health. With senior psychologists and clinical psychologists who have lived experiences with ADHD, we can offer a unique, integrated model of support and treatment. This includes strategies for living with ADHD, psychological therapy, neurofeedback and pathways to medication.
e take a diversity-affirming approach to both assessment and treatment, and with our decades of extensive experience, ensure an accurate and evidence-informed diagnosis.
How do I book an ADHD assessment?
To book an ADHD assessment in Perth with Mindstate Psychology, you can call our reception team on (08) 9450 1618, or visit our contact page and select 'Clinical Assessment' in the enquiry form.
We are excited to help you understand your symptoms and ultimately achieve a more focused life.
