Shedding Light on the Path: What to Expect in an ADHD Diagnostic Assessment

Welcome to an Evallies Clinic blog post dedicated to demystifying the process of diagnosing attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you suspect you may have ADHD or have been recommended for a diagnostic assessment, this post is for you. Today, we will explore what to expect and what is involved in an ADHD diagnostic assessment. By understanding the assessment process, you can approach it with confidence and gain valuable insights into your unique strengths and challenges.

The Importance of an ADHD Diagnostic Assessment

An ADHD diagnostic assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified healthcare professional, typically a psychiatrist or psychologist who specialises in ADHD. At the Evallies Clinic, Dr Robert Gillies, an Australian General and Child / Adolescent Psychiatrist performs all aspects of the assessment. The initial assessment is a crucial step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This assessment involves gathering information about your symptoms, past psychiatric and medical history, and current functioning to determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD might overlap with symptoms of many other physical and mental health conditions, meaning all aspects of your life need to be taken into consideration when screening for possible ADHD. Some treatments for ADHD can be dangerous for people with specific physical health and other mental health conditions (including heart, lung, brain, kidney, and other conditions, or mental health conditions such as tics, psychosis, mania, severe depression/anxiety, anorexia, and substance use), meaning extra care is taken to screen for these conditions. Additionally, living with unrelated physical or mental health conditions (such as anaemia, epilepsy, diabetes, depression, anxiety, etc.) can worsen ADHD symptoms or lead to treatment failure if they are not identified; just another reason for a comprehensive initial assessment prior to diagnosing ADHD and devising a comprehensive management plan.

What to Expect in an ADHD Diagnostic Assessment

Initial Consultation:

The process usually begins with an initial consultation where you will meet with a healthcare professional. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, symptoms, and any challenges you may be facing. The healthcare professional will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms, their duration, and their impact on various aspects of your life, such as work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Medical and Psychological History:

During the assessment, the healthcare professional will gather information about your medical and psychological history. This may involve discussing any pre-existing medical conditions, previous treatments, or medications you have taken. Additionally, they may inquire about any family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions, as genetics can play a role in the development of ADHD.

Symptom Assessment:

The healthcare professional will use standardised tools and questionnaires to assess your symptoms. These assessments may include self-report questionnaires, interviews, and observations. It is important to be open and honest in your responses, as this will help the healthcare professional gain a comprehensive understanding of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.

Impairment Evaluation:

To determine the impact of your symptoms on various areas of functioning, the healthcare professional will assess your academic, occupational, and social functioning. They may ask about your educational history, employment experiences, and relationships to gain insights into how ADHD symptoms have affected these domains. This evaluation helps provide a comprehensive picture of your unique challenges and strengths.

Collaboration and Feedback:

Following the assessment, the healthcare professional will review the findings with you and discuss their diagnostic impressions. They will provide feedback on whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and explain the rationale behind their assessment. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, seek clarification, and collaborate with the healthcare professional in developing a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Further information gathering and testing

In Australia, the government and best practice guidelines direct doctors to seek input from family members and/or review childhood school reports in order to validate a diagnostic impression of ADHD. Furthermore, it is often essential to undergo some medical screening tests and investigations of heart and other general physical health prior to commencing ADHD treatment. As this cannot all be completed in a single assessment, ADHD assessments often occur over two separate appointments, with treatment commenced during the second appointment if it is indicated, legal and safe to do so according to best practice guidelines.

An ADHD diagnostic assessment is a valuable process that can provide clarity, validation, and a roadmap for managing your symptoms. By understanding what to expect, you can approach the assessment with confidence and actively participate in your diagnostic journey. Remember, an accurate diagnosis is the foundation for developing an effective treatment plan and unlocking your true potential. With the support of a qualified healthcare professional, you can navigate the assessment process with ease and embark on a path of self-discovery and growth that empowers you to thrive with ADHD.

If you would like to seek an ADHD assessment with The Evallies Clinic, please visit the contact section of this website for details.