Adult ADHD assessments
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can affect attention, organisation, impulse control, emotional regulation and everyday functioning. Because these difficulties overlap with other conditions, a careful assessment matters.
We are not a dedicated ADHD assessment clinic
Wollongong Psychological Medicine is a general psychiatric practice. ADHD is considered within a comprehensive psychiatric assessment where it is clinically indicated. Attending an appointment does not mean an ADHD assessment will be undertaken, that a diagnosis will be made, or that medication will be prescribed.
Our psychiatrists do not complete ADHD assessments on request. Comprehensive psychiatric assessment usually takes 2–3 sessions, depending on the information required.
Dr Ganesan Jeyachandran: Not currently accepting new patient referrals for ADHD assessments. Existing patients should use the clinic’s normal contact pathway.
What to expect
The assessment process
An adult ADHD assessment may include:
- a detailed clinical interview
- current symptoms and functional impact
- childhood and developmental history
- education, employment and relationship history
- medical, mental-health and substance-use history
- questionnaires or rating scales
- school reports or other historical records where available
- information from a parent, partner or another person who knows you well, with your consent
- consideration of alternative or co-occurring conditions
The process and the number of appointments depend on the information required. Assessment does not guarantee an ADHD diagnosis or a medication prescription.
How an assessment usually unfolds
Step 1: Referral reviewed by the clinic
Step 2: Initial psychiatric assessment
Step 3: Clinical history and appropriate screening
Step 4: Supporting information and collateral reviewed
Step 5: Psychiatrist makes a clinical determination
Step 6: Management and treatment plan discussed with you
Preparing
Before your appointment
Please ask your referrer to email your referral to reception@wolpsychmed.com.au. Contact reception about any additional documents requested. Bring a current medication list and any relevant reports.
If the clinic sends you questionnaires, please complete them by the stated deadline. Assessment may be delayed if information is missing.
Outcome
After assessment
Your psychiatrist will discuss the findings and recommendations with you. A report will be sent to your referring practitioner with appropriate consent, subject to legal and safety obligations.
Recommendations may include education, behavioural or psychological strategies, treatment of related conditions, medication considerations or follow-up care.
Fees and Medicare rebate estimates are set out on the fees page.
Previous assessments
If you already have a diagnosis
Please bring any previous assessments or reports — they are valuable background information and your psychiatrist will review them.
A previous ADHD diagnosis, or a psychological assessment suggesting ADHD, does not automatically determine the outcome of your psychiatric assessment. Your treating psychiatrist forms their own clinical opinion.
Medication
Medication and further investigations
Please do not attend an initial consultation expecting that stimulant medication will be prescribed. Medication is one part of treatment, is not appropriate for everyone, and is prescribed only after assessment where your psychiatrist considers it clinically appropriate and safe.
Where stimulant treatment is being considered, additional investigations may be required before medication can be prescribed. Your psychiatrist will explain which are needed and why.
Ongoing review is required for patients prescribed Schedule 8 stimulant medication, including regular appointments and monitoring.
May include
- An ECG
- Blood tests
- Urine drug screening
Respectful behaviour
Our psychiatrists and administration staff are committed to treating every patient with care and respect, and we ask for the same in return.
Abusive, threatening or otherwise inappropriate behaviour towards our staff is not accepted and may result in care being discontinued.
Service details
- Adults aged 18 and over
- In person
- Referral required
- Contact reception to book