ADHD Diagnosis Adelaide
One of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in childhood is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder or ADHD. In Australia, ADHD affects approximately 1 in 20 people, with the diagnosis more commonly affecting boys. ADHD can cause struggles with control and development and is present across the ages.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) is a set of behavioural symptoms that affect people of any age. It is a behavioural medical condition that is inborn (primary ADHD) or a result of brain injuries (secondary ADHD).
People with ADHD may have difficulties in thinking rationally or calmly and their attention span may be shorter than others of a similar age. They may also struggle to organise the thoughts and ideas in their mind as well as control their hyperactivity or impulses. People with ADHD may also struggle with both their short and long-term memory.
ADHD and Mental Illness
Mental illness is a broad health illness, referring to any change in a person’s behaviour, mood, or thinking. Many things can be the cause of such illnesses and they can be difficult to treat.
ADHD is a complex case where parents, teachers, and carers may have a hard time supporting children or others with this diagnosis, especially if they are unsupported or lacking relevant intervention services, information, or lacking education. There is also a stigma attached to categorising children and adults with behavioural challenges like ADHD.
Over the past several years we have seen a rise in ADHD diagnoses. This is due to better diagnostic criteria, increased access to services, and additional research and education in understanding ADHD. Parenting children with ADHD or interacting with any older person with ADHD may have its own unique set of challenges, however, it is important to understand these people should not be judged for their existing capabilities or diagnosis.
With the right support and assistance, people with ADHD may be as successful in any goal as those without the diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Children are normally hyperactive and are a bundle of energy bursting to move and have fun. It is usual for them to have a short attention span and behave impulsively, but children with ADHD may not outgrow this behaviour.
The first signs of the diagnosis begin in early childhood and set children aside from the rest of their peers. Simple indications include daydreaming a lot and easily forgetting things. They may also have difficulty in making friends or talking to someone with ease.
According to the DSM-V, there are three different ADHD diagnoses a person may receive:
1. Combined presentation: if the person experiences both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity over the past six months.
2. Predominantly inattentive presentation: if the person experiences inattention but NOT hyperactivity-impulsivity over the past six months.
3. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation: if the person experiences hyperactivity-impulsivity but NOT inattention over the past six months.
There are also three different levels of severity:
1. Mild: few, if any, symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis are present, and symptoms result minor impairments in social or occupational functioning.
2. Moderate: Symptoms or functional impairment between “mild” and “severe” are present.
3. Severe: Many symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis, or several symptoms that are particularly severe, are present, or the symptoms result in marked impairment in social or occupational functioning.
Inattention can present as wandering off task, lacking persistence, having difficulty sustaining focus, and being disorganized and is not due to lack of comprehension or defiance. Hyperactivity can present as excessive motor activity such as running when it is not appropriate, or excessive fidgeting, tapping, or talkativeness. Impulsivity can present as hasty actions that occur in the moment without forethought and that have high potential for harm to the individual.
Causes of ADHD
It is difficult to determine what causes ADHD. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the cause and risk factors are unknown, yet genetics may play a significant role.
Other supported causes and risks include brain injury, exposure to environmental risks during pregnancy or at an early age, alcohol and tobacco usage during pregnancy, premature delivery, and low birth weight.
ADHD in Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and one of the most popular cities in Australia. It is known for its festive events with packed and exciting activities. It is even described as Australia's safest city out of all the 30 largest cities. This means it serves as a sanctuary for people, being one of the most family-friendly cities.
However, the city may be low in crime but not in the number of ADHD cases. Australian children, even those in S.A. still exhibit common behaviour disorders. They are known to impact the lives of the people in our city and it’s not always for the better.
Therefore, it is important our citizens diagnosed with ADHD to receive intervention to make their cases manageable.
ADHD Diagnosis in Adelaide
Positive Moods has a team of provisional psychologists who can clinically diagnose ADHD using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - Fifth Edition (DSM-V) and compare the behaviour of clients suspected with ADHD against people of his or her age.
Our assessment process includes the following:
· Beery Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration 6th Edition (BEERY VMI)
· Clinical Interview
· Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CCARS)
· Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – 5 (PPVT-5)
· Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)
· Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF)
· Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
· Weschler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT-III)
ADHD diagnoses can be paid for privately. For Private Health rebates please contact your provider.
We also do ADHD assessments in Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast.
For enquiries about our services and capacity, please call Positive Moods on 1300 001 470, email at ndis@positivemoods.com.au, or fill in the contact form on https://www.positivemoods.com.au/contactus.