Adult ADHD

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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that effects 6-7% of children 2-3% of all adults (Wilcutt, 2012). ADHD is characterised by difficulties with concentration, attention, and impulse control, which can impact a person’s day-to-day life in areas such as school, work, and relationships.

Research shows that ADHD is often missed, misdiagnosed in childhood or under diagnosed in adulthood which can negatively impact work or school performance, lead to low-self-esteem, and difficulties with relationships. 

Symptoms

They key signs and symptoms of ADHD are identified in two main areas of difficulty: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. 

Inattention criteria for diagnosing ADHD

An individual with symptoms of inattention may, on a regular basis: 

  • not give close attention to details, or make seemingly careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
  • have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
  • not seem to listen when spoken to directly
  • not follow through on instructions
  • not finish schoolwork, chores, or other duties (but not because they are being wilful or do not understand instructions)
  • have difficulty organising tasks and activities
  • avoid, dislike or be unwilling to do tasks that need continuing mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
  • lose things needed for tasks or activities (such as toys, school assignments, phone wallet or tools)
  • be easily distracted
  • be forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria for diagnosing ADHD

An individual with symptoms of hyperactivity may often: 

  • fidget with their hands or feet or squirm in their seat
  • leave their seat in the classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
  • run about or climb excessively in inappropriate situations
  • have difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities quietly
  • be ‘on the go’ or act as if ‘driven by a motor’
  • talk more than average.
  • answer before questions have been completed
  • have difficulty waiting in turn
  • interrupt or intrude on others (for example, interrupting conversations or games).

There are three types of ADHD

  • Predominantly inattentive: The person mostly has symptoms of inattention
  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: The person has mostly symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity
  • Combined: The person has symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity

So, what causes ADHD?

No one knows for certain what causes ADHD, and it is possible that a number of factors including genetics, neurobiology, and environment can increase the individual’s chance of developing ADHD. 

  • Gene studies should a strong genetic component to ADHD with it often running in families. Research suggest that there may be several genes involved.
  • Neurophysiology suggests that those with ADHD present with differences in brain anatomy, electrical activity, and metabolism
  • Some environmental factors that may contribute to ADHD development include:
  • pregnancy and birth factors (maternal smoking, alcohol use and misuse, low infant birth weight),
  • early life relationships where there is high conflict or limited opportunity to learn skills on how to self-regulate, attention and concentration
  • Certain environmental toxins

Getting a Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis for ADHD involved a comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team including a psychologist, paediatrician and/or psychiatrist. At Cova psychology an ADHD assessment with our qualified psychologist Victor Quek will typically include:

  • Initial clinical interview to gather in depth background information about developmental, social, and educational history
  • Administration of ADHD assessments and questionnaires, including:
  • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
  • Delis-Kaplan Executive Function Syndrome (D-KEFS)
  • Continuous Processing Task (CPT)
  • Brown Executive Function/Attention Scale (Brown EF/A Scale)
  • Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS)
  • Feedback session and a comprehensive report

Treatment

  • Effective treatments and interventions include:
  • Medication (must be prescribed my a psychiatrist)
  • Behavioural Parent Training
  • Social skills training
  • School-based interventions
  • Strategies for reducing distraction and increasing attention span
  • Cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with ADHD: Including psychoeducation, organisation, planning and time management skills training, problem-solving skills training
  • Couples counselling

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Don't let your struggles hold you back. Call us.

Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right therapist.

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Don't let your struggles hold you back. Call us.

Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right therapist.

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We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.

Group 483

We Welcome all People

Group 461
Group 469
Group 477
Group 465
Group 480
Group 473

We Work With

AHPRA
APS
AASW
TAC
ndis
Work Safe
Victims Crime Assistance Tribunal
medicare
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