ADHD

Because understanding your mind is the first step toward unlocking your full potential

Understanding ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can impact a person’s daily functioning, academic performance, work, and social interactions. While there is no cure for ADHD, it is a manageable condition. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Why get an ADHD assessment

An ADHD assessment is essential for accurately diagnosing the condition and differentiating it from other medical or psychological issues that may present similar symptoms. A thorough assessment allows for the development of an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs, which may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

5 simple steps to getting an ADHD assessment

Your GP plays a crucial role in the initial stages of the ADHD assessment. The first step involves arranging appropriate tests and blood works with your GP. These tests can help rule out any medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or anaemia. By eliminating other potential causes, your GP ensures that the assessment process is focused and accurate.
Once the initial tests are completed and other medical conditions are ruled out, the next step is to obtain a referral from your GP to see Dr Edna. This referral is necessary to proceed to step 3.
With the referral in hand, reach out to the Fitzroy office or the Parkville office to book a convenient time for your ADHD assessment. The reception team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
You will need to complete some online forms prior to your 1st appointment with me. They take about 30mins to complete. Link to the forms will be emailed to you once an appointment is confirmed. In addition to these online forms, there will be a form for you to complete that will be sent out to you once you arrange your appointment. Completion of the forms prior to the 1st appointment is essential for a comprehensive evaluation. If these forms are not completed, your appointment cannot proceed.
Dr Edna will conduct a series of evaluations, including interviews, questionnaires, and behavioural observations. These evaluations aim to gather detailed information about your symptoms, medical history, and overall functioning. She will then guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Prior to assessment

To facilitate prompt treatment, prior to your 1st appointment, please complete (i) the ADHD questionnaire sent to you, (ii) complete the online forms AND (iii) arrange the following blood works and tests from your GP:

ECG
Blood pressure and weight measurements
Urine drug screen (UDS)
Blood tests: FBE, UEC, LFT, TFT, iron studies, Ca, Mg, Ph, HBA1C, cholesterol, Vit B12, Vit D, Folate, Hep B, Hep C, HIV, CRP and bHCG (for females)

Assessment

Dr Edna is unable to offer single appointment assessments. All assessments will be conducted over 3 appointments. Reception staff will need to book these appointments upfront to ensure there is availability in the schedule to complete the assessment.

Following the assessment process, Dr Edna will give you feedback about her understanding of your presenting problem and discuss treatment options with you.

FAQ

The approximate wait time can vary depending on Dr Edna’s clinical load. Please note she receives more referrals than she has capacity to see so not every referred patient can be seen. Your referrer will be notified of the outcome of the referral. It is the referrers’ duty of care to you to arrange alternate plans if your referral cannot be accepted.
The duration of the ADHD assessment process can vary depending on individual circumstances. It typically involves multiple appointments over a few weeks to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
During an ADHD assessment, you can expect a series of evaluations, including interviews, questionnaires, and behavioural observations. Dr Edna will gather detailed information about your symptoms, medical history, and overall functioning.
After the ADHD assessment, Dr Edna will provide a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help manage your symptoms effectively.
Dr Edna does not give medication on the first appointment. She needs to do a thorough evaluation of your mental health, extending beyond ADHD assessment to ensure no other significant aspects are overlooked. Additionally, it’s essential for you to understand how medications work, the appropriate dosages, potential risks, and the legal considerations associated with their use. This necessitates a dedicated review session to allow ample time to cover these details comprehensively.
Your care is Dr Edna’s top priority. She must conduct a thorough assessment to ensure accurate diagnoses, which is essential for effective treatment planning. She cannot guarantee the quality of external assessments, as they may not include all the necessary information to fully address your care needs.
Dr Edna’s approach to wellbeing focuses on the whole person, emphasizing the importance of both healthy lifestyle choices and psychological therapy. She recommends you engage a psychologist as well. Medication alone cannot teach the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges, which is why psychologists play a crucial role. They provide practical strategies to manage ADHD and help explore deeper emotions like shame, guilt, grief, and low self-esteem—feelings that often arise from undiagnosed ADHD.
You can obtain a fee schedule from the reception staff. Fees vary based on the length of the appointment, which typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. These appointments may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if you are covered by Medicare.
Unfortunately, missed appointments are a common issue, creating delays in care for other patients. To address this, a deposit is required when booking your appointment, which will be applied toward your consultation fee on the day of your visit. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, so kindly only book if you are committed to attending. You may reschedule your initial assessment with at least a week’s notice. However, if sufficient notice is not provided, the deposit will be forfeited, and additional cancellation fees may apply.