When might an ADHD assessment be helpful?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has received increasing attention and awareness in recent years, particularly among adults who retrospectively identify longstanding patterns of attention, organisation, or emotional regulation difficulties that may have flown under the radar previously. While increased awareness has helped many people seek support, it is important to note that a comprehensive assessment is required to determine whether an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate.

It is important to note that clinical psychologists can diagnose ADHD, but we do not prescribe medication. Any decision regarding medication is made by a psychiatrist or suitably qualified medical practitioner.

People who seek an ADHD assessment often report long‑standing difficulties such as:

• Ongoing problems with attention, concentration, or distractibility

• Disorganisation, poor time management, or difficulty completing tasks

• Forgetfulness or frequently losing important items

• Restlessness or feeling mentally “on the go”

• Impulsivity in decision-making or communication

• Difficulty sustaining effort at work or study despite adequate ability

• Emotional regulation difficulties (e.g. frustration, irritability, low stress tolerance)

• Potential school, academic or work difficulties, either with the “work” itself, or with managing relationships and interactions with peers in these settings

• Problems in relationships, especially with managing household duties and other life administration tasks with their spouse or family members, which may contribute to fights or “shutting down”

• General feelings of not living up to one’s potential, or not being able to execute on positive intentions and goals despite ample motivation and desire

***For a diagnosis to be considered, symptoms need to have been present from childhood (before age 12); have caused clinically significant impairment and/or distress; and be evident across more than one setting (e.g., at home, school, and/or work).

Understandably, these experiences can overlap with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or burnout. To make matters even more complicated, almost everyone will experience these symptoms in some way, shape or form at some stage of their life! These factors are part of why ADHD assessment can be complicated, as not everyone who presents with these symptoms will meet the diagnostic criteria. A core aim of assessment is to differentiate ADHD from other conditions, and to understand how difficulties have developed over time.

Our ADHD assessment process

ADHD assessment at Forward Thinking Psychological Services is multi‑modal and evidence‑based, consistent with current clinical guidelines.

The assessment typically includes:

• Comprehensive clinical interview
  A detailed discussion of current concerns, developmental history, education, work functioning, mental health history, and daily functioning.

• Standardised psychometric measures
  Use of validated ADHD rating scales and screening tools, alongside measures assessing attention, executive functioning, and related domains.

• Self‑report questionnaires
  Detailed self‑report information exploring symptom patterns across different settings (e.g., work, study, home).

• Collateral information (where available)
  Input from a partner, family member, or other informant who knows you well, to provide an external perspective on symptoms and functioning.

• Developmental evidence
  Where possible, review of school reports or other records from childhood (before age 12), as ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that must be evident from an early age.

Not all sources of information are always available. Assessments are conducted using the best available evidence, with transparency about any limitations.

Assessment outcomes, reporting, and next steps

Following the assessment, you will receive feedback outlining:

• Whether the findings are consistent with ADHD

• Whether any other mental health condition criteria may be met

• Alternative or co‑occurring explanations, if relevant

• Strengths, vulnerabilities, and functional impacts

• Practical recommendations tailored to your goals and context, and a discussion around how psychological therapy can assist with these goals

A key decision point is whether a referral to a psychiatrist is appropriate to explore medication options.

• If medication is not being considered, reporting focuses on diagnostic clarity and psychological recommendations.

• If medication may be considered, reporting is structured to support referral to a psychiatrist and includes the information typically required for medical review. Because psychiatrists will likely conduct their own assessment, we aim to limit the time and cost of our own assessment to prevent the redundant expense of “doing the same assessment twice”.

Psychological support for ADHD

Whether or not medication is pursued, psychological intervention plays an important role in ADHD management.

Treatment commonly focuses on:

• Organisation and planning strategies (time management, task initiation, prioritisation)

• Executive functioning support, including working memory and attention strategies

• Self‑regulation skills, such as managing overwhelm, emotional reactivity, and stress

• Addressing self‑esteem and self‑concept, particularly where long‑standing difficulties have contributed to self‑criticism or reduced confidence

• Managing co‑occurring difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, or burnout

• Managing relationships and strain caused by ADHD - ideally with the involvement of your spoue or family where appropriate

Intervention is practical, skills‑focused, and tailored to real‑world demands at work, study, and home.

Fees and cost structure

ADHD assessments typically involve four appointments, and the scoring and interpretation of questionnaires and other standardised measures.

Fees are structured to reflect:

• Assessment interviews and administration time

• Scoring and interpretation of psychometric measures

• Report writing and feedback

A detailed fee outline, including expected timeframes and costs, will be provided before commencing the assessment so you can make an informed decision. For transparency, the average out-of-pocket cost for clients is $950, which includes sessions, report-writing, feedback, and referrals to a local psychiatrist if necessary.

Getting started

If you are considering an ADHD assessment and would like to discuss whether this service is appropriate for you, you are welcome to get in touch at info@forwardthinkingpsychology.com