ADHD

ADHD Screening Assessment

Beyond Psychology offers ADHD screening services for individuals who have identified some symptoms of concern in their own lives, but are not yet ready to commit to costly and time intensive assessment options. 

ADHD can be diagnosed in Australia by psychologists, paediatricians or psychiatrists. Paediatricians and psychiatrists are the only health professionals authorised to prescribe medication for ADHD. Access to paediatric or psychiatry services typically involves lengthy wait times and a GP referral. Before committing to a full ADHD assessment, you may wish to clarify whether your symptoms are indicative of ADHD by engaging in a neurodevelopmental screening assessment with a psychologist to provide clarity around your symptoms of ADHD and whether further diagnosis may be helpful. 

What is involved in an ADHD screening appointment?

Upon booking in for a screening service, you will be sent a comprehensive background screening questionnaire to complete online. 

Next you will attend an appointment with your psychologist where they will interpret your screening questionnaire and discuss symptoms of concern. They will be able to provide personalised recommendations on whether to pursue a formal assessment and which services to connect with depending on your treatment preferences (pharmacological or non pharmacological options). 

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, typically diagnosed in childhood (the developmental period). Individuals with ADHD may have persistent challenges with inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some individuals with ADHD have challenges in all of these areas. Whilst many people in the general population may have occasional concerns with some ADHD-like symptoms. Those who meet criteria for ADHD typically have symptoms of greater severity and frequency so that they can interfere with multiple areas of their life. Below is a list of common symptoms of ADHD whether they fall into the category of inattentiveness, impulsivity or hyperreactivity.

Inattentive Symptoms

Lack of Attention to Detail: Frequently makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Difficulty Sustaining Attention: Struggles to maintain focus on tasks or play activities.

Does Not Seem to Listen: Appears not to listen when spoken to directly, even without obvious distraction.

Failure to Follow Through: Starts tasks but quickly loses focus, resulting in unfinished work.

Organisational Challenges: Finds it difficult to organise tasks and activities, leading to disorganised work and time management issues.

Avoidance of Sustained Mental Effort: Avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as homework or preparing reports.

Loses Things: Frequently loses items necessary for tasks and activities, like school materials, keys, or glasses.

Easily Distracted: Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, including unrelated thoughts.

Forgetfulness: Often forgets daily activities and tasks, such as chores, errands, or appointments.

Hyperactivity Symptoms

Fidgeting: Frequently fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.

Inability to stay seated: Has difficulty remaining seated in situations where it is expected, such as in the classroom or workplace.

Excessive Running/Climbing: In children, runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations. In adults, this may present as restlessness.

Difficulty with Quiet Activities: Finds it challenging to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.

On the Go: Often constantly on the move, being unable to be still for extended periods.

Excessive Talking: Talks excessively without considering the appropriateness of the context.

Impulsivity Symptoms

Impulsivity involves hasty actions that occur without forethought and have the potential for harm.

Blurting Out: Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.

Difficulty waiting in turn: Has difficulty waiting for their turn in games, conversations, or other group activities.

Interrupting: Frequently interrupts

If you have concerns for ADHD symptoms and are unsure whether you would benefit from further assessment, you may wish to speak to one of our psychologists qualified in neurodevelopmental assessment and diagnosis. 

ADHD resources

* https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/ ADHD Australia

* https://aadpa.com.au/ Australasian ADHD Professionals Association