ADHD Assessments
No matter your age, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be life changing – and for all the right reasons.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults. Interestingly, doctors have only recently begun diagnosing it and it is still often misunderstood. This means that there are a large number of people living with ADHD – a condition that can have a significant impact on their lives – who are unaware of it.
However, receiving a diagnosis or having one ruled out is essential to managing ADHD and the symptoms it brings along.
What exactly is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
People with ADHD may experience a variety of symptoms, and these symptoms may vary from person to person. While some associated symptoms can be minor inconveniences, others can cause greater difficulties, including socially, mentally, and professionally. For example, impulsivity, which is frequently linked to ADHD and can result in bad decision-making. Additionally, it can be challenging to focus, making it hard for people to pay attention in class or at work.
Symptoms of ADHD
Some common symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
- Problems prioritising/disorganisation
- Impulsiveness
- Poor time management skills
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Trouble multitasking
- Restlessness or excessive activity
- Regular mood swings
- Reduced frustration tolerance
- Issues following through with and/or completing tasks
- Bad temper
- Struggle to cope with stress
Benefits of an online ADHD assessment
Your doctor or therapist might suggest that you display traits of ADHD and recommend an assessment. You might be hesitant to pursue an ADHD evaluation (especially if you are older). However, getting a formal assessment by an ADHD psychiatrist can be helpful because it can identify the root of your problems. It also allows you to access a range of treatment options and may also help you advance your career or improve important relationships in your life.
Gaining a better understanding of yourself is another advantage of having an ADHD assessment. Many people come to realise that certain issues they previously believed they would always have to deal with are actually treatable and manageable. You can collaborate with experts to choose the best course of therapy once you have a diagnosis – or one has been ruled out for you. Different types of treatment, such as medication, talk therapy, coaching, nutrition, and many other choices, may be preferable depending on your symptoms, personal preferences, and environmental variables.
Furthermore, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, compared to adults who exhibit symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) but do not have a diagnosis, adults with an ADHD diagnosis have better functioning, a better health-related quality of life and higher self-esteem.
The cost of being undiagnosed with ADHD
If you think you may have signs of ADHD, you might wish to consider the downside of not being formally diagnosed.
Without a diagnosis, the complete range of treatment options are inaccessible.
In addition, often, people who experience difficulties associated with ADHD have no idea why. However, when they learn the prognosis, it helps in them to understand this condition and get help to manage it better. With a diagnosis, our psychiatrists can prescribe medication which can have a drastic impact on improving bothersome symptoms.
Current waiting lists for ADHD assessments
Due to a recent large rise in the recognition of this condition, the demand for online ADHD assessments has rapidly increased. At present in Australia and New Zealand, the waiting lists are very lengthy, with many clients telling us they have a minimum wait of 12 months – if the clinic is accepting new referrals at all.
At Positive Mind Works, we are able to offer online ADHD assessments, and currently have no waiting period. Our books are open for this service and all we require to get started with the process is a referral from your GP.
In conclusion
In summary, getting an ADHD diagnosis or learning you don’t have ADHD, can be the beginning of a lot of good changes in your life. It gives you the chance to understand yourself better and to gain more control over your life. You can use our ADHD service to get an assessment for yourself if you think you might have ADHD and want to start coming up with a strategy to better manage it.
To learn more about our online ADHD assessments and referral process, please contact our team on 1800 327 477 (AU) / 0800 327 477 (NZ) Press 2 for psychiatry. Alternatively, drop us an email on doctors@positivemindworks.co and our team will respond as soon as possible.
