Adult ADHD Assessment

Common Experiences

Do you recognize any of these challenges in your daily life?

  • Zoning out frequently
  • Forgetfulness with details or tasks
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling like there are “too many tabs open” in your head
  • Challenges in completing tasks
  • Experiencing feelings of laziness
  • Noticing the impact of these symptoms on your relationships

Understanding ADHD: Is It ADHD or Something Else?

Not everyone who shows signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity has ADHD. Sometimes, people struggle with organization, feel disorganized, or unintentionally blurt things out. For an accurate ADHD diagnosis, we assess if these behaviors:

  • Are persistent and not just temporary responses to specific situations
  • Occur across multiple settings (e.g., work, home) rather than just in one environment

To confirm ADHD, we use standardized criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) and also rule out other possible causes, like learning challenges, clinical disorders, mood-related concerns, or medical conditions.

Holistic Assessment Approach

Our psychologists consider both strengths and potential mental health issues, ensuring a thorough and balanced evaluation.

The Assessment Process

The Adult ADHD Assessment at Knox Mindfulness is a structured process carried out over three 1-hour to 1 and a half hour sessions with an experienced psychologist. It involves:

  1. Reviewing your background, education, and cognitive changes (e.g., memory, focus, distractibility)
  2. Completing online ADHD screening and validated assessments
  3. Collecting additional insights from close family members if necessary, along with medical information from your GP or clinic

What's Included in the Assessment:

  • 3 x 1-hour clinical consultations
  • Administration of ADHD-specific assessments and a psychological profiling test
  • Full clinical and psychosocial assessment
  • Review of developmental, mental health, and medical history (school reports or referral letters are helpful)
  • Observer reports to further understand your experiences and mental state
  • Comprehensive Assessment Report with tailored recommendations

Our assessment aligns with the National ADHD Guidelines 2022, ensuring a rigorous and updated approach.

Multimodal Treatment and Support

ADHD treatment typically combines two components:

  1. Medication:

    Often used in conjunction with other supports.

  2. Nonpharmacological Approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy):

    CBT can improve core ADHD symptoms and the quality of daily life.

Both medication and CBT can be highly effective and may be used together to optimize outcomes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD

Our team includes psychologists skilled in ADHD-specific CBT, covering areas such as:

  • Enhancing focus and self-awareness
  • Developing time management strategies
  • Using mindfulness for mood regulation, anxiety, and depression
  • Managing distraction and self-talk
  • Incorporating physical exercise and healthy diet habits

We also recommend ADHD support groups for additional guidance and community support.

Considering Medication

For those interested in medication, a psychological assessment is not required but can offer valuable insights into managing ADHD. Medication prescriptions are handled by a psychiatrist, but therapy can be an effective standalone treatment for those who choose not to use medication.

Recommendations

At the conclusion of your assessment, you'll receive a personalized Recommendations section. This will cover both medication and non-medication approaches, with CBT strategies tailored to address the areas your psychologist identifies during your assessment.