- 6 November 2024
Neurodiversity awareness including ADHD has grown exponentially in the last few years. We’re seeing this first hand at Cova Psychology with our reception team getting more and more enquiries about ADHD support. Many of those enquiring aren’t yet diagnosed but have been reading about ADHD online or hearing about it through social media. Many are resonating with the symptoms they’ve read. They’re asking “Could this be me?” and want to explore this with a professional.
This growing interest is a sign of a bigger societal shift in understanding the strengths and challenges that come with neurodiverse brains. Increased awareness and acceptance has reduced stigma and enabled people to seek answers and support. ADHD in particular has had a massive surge in public consciousness with advocacy groups, clinicians and online communities talking about it at all stages of life. In Australia alone ADHD diagnoses have doubled in recent years with research showing 1 in 20 Australians (5%) have ADHD. Global research shows adult ADHD diagnoses have increased by up to 123% in the last decade.
But as awareness grows the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has warned about the risk of overdiagnosis. Whilst traits like forgetfulness, inattention or impulsivity may be part of ADHD, these can also be symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma responses or just the demands of modern life. In this blog we’ll look at the positive changes brought about by increased ADHD awareness, the risk of misdiagnosis and our approach to ADHD at Cova Psychology.
Table of Contents
ADHD Awareness: The Good Stuff
Increased awareness of ADHD has brought real change in how it’s understood, diagnosed and supported. Here’s some of the benefits for individuals and the broader community:
Earlier Support More people are asking for assessments so earlier diagnosis means individuals can get support sooner. Children can get classroom accommodations and tailored learning strategies and adults can get clarity and validation to help them manage lifelong challenges.
Less Stigma ADHD is being seen as a neurodevelopmental condition not a behavioural issue or personal failing. Public conversations, personal stories from advocates and the work of influencers have broken down long held stereotypes so people feel safe to ask for help and understand themselves.
Celebrating Strengths:
Along with the challenges there’s a growing recognition of the strengths that come with ADHD like creativity, innovative thinking and high energy. These are being celebrated particularly in fields like tech, entrepreneurship and the arts so individuals can see their differences as assets not liabilities.More for the ADHD Community:
As awareness grows so do the services. ADHD specific therapies, coaching and support help individuals understand their condition, develop coping strategies and thrive in all areas of life – at school, work or in personal relationships. A more inclusive society where neurodiversity is accepted and celebrated.
Overdiagnosis
While increased ADHD awareness has brought much needed attention to the condition it also brings the risk of overdiagnosis. The APS has warned of the need for careful and thorough assessment to avoid misdiagnosis.
Blurred Lines Between Conditions:
The symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity – are not unique to ADHD. Anxiety, depression, complex trauma, sleep disorders and even stress related behaviours can present with similar traits. Complex trauma in particular can present with very similar ADHD symptoms, and as such it is important for health professionals to undertake thorough and accurate psychological assessments in order to avoid misdiagnosis. Without a comprehensive clinical assessment individuals may be misdiagnosed which can have a number of negative consequences including being placed on ineffective treatments (medication for example), and unhelpful changes to ones sense of self and identity. Understanding the underlying cause of mental health symptoms – whether ADHD or another condition – is key to understanding oneself and being connected to the right treatment and support.
Societal Pressures and Lifestyle Factors:
Modern life and external pressures can cause symptoms and presentations that look like ADHD. Digital distractions, multitasking, chronic stress and personal challenges like relationship issues or health problems can all cause attentional difficulties.
Self Diagnosing Mental Health:
While social media has played a big part in raising awareness it also comes with risks. Online quizzes, viral content and personal stories can lead individuals to self diagnose thinking they have ADHD without a proper understanding of the complexities of psychological assessment and diagnosis. While self awareness is important it’s essential to see a professional to confirm or rule out ADHD and any overlapping conditions.
Accurate Diagnosis Matters
An accurate ADHD diagnosis is key to getting the right support and avoiding the risks of misdiagnosis. Without proper diagnosis people may miss out on important interventions or receive unnecessary treatment. Here’s how to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis:
Full Assessments:
ADHD diagnosis requires a full, holistic approach. A full clinical history is essential along with input from teachers, carers and other professionals who interact with the individual regularly. A full assessment ensures all factors – internal and external – are considered. Also assessing for co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression or learning disabilities is key to avoiding misdiagnosing ADHD when other factors may be at play.
When looking for answers for attention, focus or hyperactivity many individuals turn to the internet and search for an “ADHD assessment.” But a true gold standard approach to understanding these challenges goes way beyond just assessing for ADHD. A full psychological assessment—or ideally a neuropsychological evaluation—is key to ruling in or out a wide range of potential contributing factors. These might include mood disorders, trauma, developmental and learning challenges, auditory and visual processing issues or other attentional problems. A full assessment ensures we avoid misdiagnosis and get a full and accurate diagnosis so we can tailor the most effective interventions. Unfortunately many people aren’t aware of the importance of this holistic approach and assume an ADHD specific test will give them all the answers. Educating ourselves on the value of a full assessment can make all the difference in getting the right support.
Individualised Treatment:
A diagnosis is the foundation for an individualised treatment plan. With a diagnosis an experienced team can create a plan specific to the individual. This may include therapy, ADHD coaching, medication or lifestyle changes. An individualised approach means interventions are effective and empowering.
Our Approach to ADHD at Cova Psychology: A Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
At Cova Psychology we are a neurodiversity affirming practice. We create a safe space where individuals can thrive by understanding and accepting their neurology. We see ADHD as part of the neurodiversity spectrum and we help people understand and manage their ADHD.
Whether it’s managing symptoms, improving focus or developing strategies we offer bespoke support and coaching to suit each person’s needs. We also provide a safe and professional space for individuals to explore their ADHD and get clarity on how to manage the challenges and utilise their strengths.
We take a thorough and responsible approach to ADHD assessment and diagnosis. We support individuals with ADHD but we prioritise accurate and informed diagnosis. For individuals who require a full assessment we often refer to trusted neuropsychologists such as those at Yarra City Psychology who do full assessments to ensure the correct diagnosis and rule out other conditions. This approach gives a clearer picture of the individual’s needs and supports their journey to optimal care.
Contact us for more information about how a Melbourne therapist can help you understand and manage ADHD.
Dr. Chris Coleiro
Chris is Clinical Psychologist and a co-director of Cova Psychology, located in the Melbourne CBD, where he provides supervision to psychologists whilst cultivating a supportive culture within the Cova team. Chris has worked extensively in the assessment and treatment of trauma, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. He combines a range of therapies in his approach including CBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR and IFS. Chris is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the APS college of Clinical Psychology, and of the Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Australian Association (EMDRAA).
