ADHD / ADD
Definition
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is prevalent in approximately 7% of children and 5% of adults. ADHD is the official clinical name for both conditions.
There are three main presentations of ADHD:
- “combined” which has inattention and hyperactivity;
- “predominately hyperactive” which has a much greater deal of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour;
- “predominately inattentive” which is commonly called ADD. For adults this presentation has the greatest impact
Signs & Symptoms
In children there are many signs of ADHD, the most common are:
- Fidgeting in school and being continuously told by the teacher to sit down, or not to blurt things out
- Falling out with friends on a regular basis, but also being the joker of the class and making friends easily
- Not being invited to parties (young children)
- Forgetting or losing things
- Not being able to focus on homework
- Continually getting into trouble at school
- Having difficulty sleeping and continually getting out of bed
The signs of ADHD in adults can be less obvious than those in children. The most common signs in adults are:
- Spending money without thought, continually changing jobs and having many different partners in relationships
- If driving, skipping a red light or speeding
- Unable to handle stress or easily losing your temper
- Constantly fidgeting, restlessness and may require less sleep
- Easily losing things or forgetting important tasks, this can affect your job and/or relationships
Treatment Options
There is no ‘cure’ for ADHD, but treatment is centred on managing the symptoms and minimising the difficulties that can arise as a result of this condition.
Treatment for ADHD can involve any (or all) of the below treatments:
- medication (stimulants or non-stimulants)
- talking based therapies
- dietary and exercise changes
Assessment Elements
- Some questionnaires may be required to be completed by yourself or other third parties (if you are in agreement)
- Detailed questions will be asked during the assessment process regarding the patient's history, presenting concerns and desired outcomes
- Any pre-existing letters or materials from other clinicians who have assessed or treated the patient may be requested
- Depending on the patient's presentation other non-psychiatric but complementary assessments may potentially be suggested. Such as an education psychology assessment if the case of a child patient, if so we can provide you contact details of trusted clinics where such complimentary assessments can be undertaken
- Depending on the patient’s or family's medical history, further cardiac investigations may be required. If so, we can provide you contact details of trusted clinics where these can be undertaken, or you can ask your GP for a referral
- Weight, height, pulse and blood pressure may potentially be taken or requested (if applicable)
- Psychoeducation strategies offered and written resources provided
- If ADHD is diagnosed then medication may potentially be discussed and prescribed (if consent obtained) during the assessment process and if there are no significant physical health concerns
- If medication is commenced, then regular 30 minute review appointments (approx. every 1 to 3 months) at our centre will be required to safely monitor the patient's progress
Our ADHD Pathways
Read about our unique ADHD pathways for:
Submit an enquiry using the button below. Our Enquiries Team will telephone you to discuss.
