Adult ADHD help · Working out assessment
A practical guide to adult ADHD assessment in Australia: where to start, what to ask and how to prepare.
Start with a GP appointment to discuss what is affecting your daily life.
Your GP can discuss assessment options and referrals. You do not need to arrive certain that ADHD is the explanation.
Further reading: Healthdirect: ADHD
Back to questions ↑An appropriately qualified healthcare professional with experience in adult ADHD assessment.
Psychiatrists and suitably trained psychologists are among the professionals involved. Assessment and prescribing are different services; ask what a provider offers. Local pathways vary.
Further reading: Australian ADHD guideline: assessment
Back to questions ↑No. A questionnaire alone does not establish an ADHD diagnosis.
Assessment brings together clinical interviews, history and other information. A screening result can be something to discuss with a clinician, rather than a conclusion.
Further reading: Australian ADHD guideline: assessment
Back to questions ↑A clinician explores your history, current difficulties and how they affect different parts of life.
Interviews and questionnaires may be used, along with information from other people or earlier records where available. Other possible explanations and co-occurring conditions also matter.
Further reading: Australian ADHD guideline: assessment
Back to questions ↑Tell the assessment provider what is and is not available before the appointment.
Childhood history is relevant to adult assessment. Ask the clinician how they gather that history when records or family information are unavailable.
Further reading: Australian ADHD guideline: assessment
Back to questions ↑Ask each provider for a written estimate of the whole pathway.
There is no single fee to use for every service. Ask separately about appointments, reports, follow-up and any referral requirements. Medicare support depends on the service and your circumstances.
Further reading: Services Australia: Medicare and mental health
Back to questions ↑You can organise your questions and experiment with practical ways to make your day easier.
You do not have to decide on a diagnosis to use a calendar, simplify a task or ask someone to help with an appointment. These are everyday experiments, not a replacement for assessment.
Back to questions ↑These answers combine sourced general information with practical examples. They have not been clinically reviewed. Personal decisions about assessment, diagnosis or treatment need a qualified health professional. Check current service arrangements directly.
The information on this website, free chats and paid coaching offer general information and practical support only. They do not provide medical or clinical mental health advice.
I don’t assess or diagnose ADHD or other conditions, provide counselling or psychological therapy, recommend treatment, or advise on medication. This support does not replace assessment, advice or care from a qualified health professional.
Please speak to your GP or treating clinician about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or medication. There’s no need to send me medical records.