13 Oct How Our Psychiatrists Assess ADHD: What Really Happens in an Appointment
Many adults seeking an ADHD assessment feel uncertain or anxious about what the process involves. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our integrated team of ADHD psychologist Melbourne and ADHD psychiatrist Melbourne provides evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming ADHD assessments for adults, ensuring evaluations are thorough, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. Understanding the structure and purpose of an ADHD assessment can help reduce anxiety and provide clarity on what to expect. If you are looking for an ADHD assessment psychiatrist in Melbourne, this guide explains the assessment process, the integrated care model, and how psychiatrists and psychologists work together to provide comprehensive care.
Why Do Adults Seek an ADHD Assessment with a Psychiatrist?
Adults often seek an ADHD assessment due to persistent difficulties with attention, organisation, and time management, which can impact work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Many pursue assessment to gain clarity on long-standing challenges, understand personal patterns, and access strategies or treatment to improve daily functioning. A thorough assessment by an ADHD psychiatrist Melbourne provides a structured evaluation, helping distinguish ADHD from other mental health conditions and guiding personalised management.
What Does a Psychiatrist Examine in ADHD Developmental and Life History?
A key component of an ADHD assessment is a detailed exploration of developmental and life history. Psychiatrists review attentional and executive functioning patterns across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, considering how these difficulties have influenced work, education, relationships, and daily routines. This process helps identify persistent traits consistent with ADHD while differentiating them from symptoms associated with other mental health conditions. The psychiatrist also considers compensatory strategies that individuals may have developed, which can sometimes mask ADHD symptoms.
How Do Psychiatrists Assess Current ADHD Symptoms in Adults?
Psychiatrists assess current ADHD-related difficulties by examining attention, organisation, time management, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning in daily life. This evaluation considers how symptoms manifest across work, home, and social environments. It provides insight into the functional impact of attentional and executive function challenges, supporting accurate understanding and informing management planning.
How Are Psychometric and Psychological Assessments Used in ADHD Evaluation?
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, ADHD assessment often involves close collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are experienced in conducting psychometric assessments and using standardised tools to explore areas such as attention, executive functioning, and potential comorbidities like anxiety or depression, and in certain instances may recommend cognitive testing. Psychiatrists then integrate these insights with a review of the person’s medical and psychiatric history to develop a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and functional challenges, allowing us to provide a diagnostic impression, personalised recommendations for therapy, practical strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and, where appropriate, medication. Adults seeking an ADHD assessment for adults Melbourne can access integrated evaluation combining psychological and psychiatric expertise to ensure clarity and functional support.
How Does Integrated Psychologist and Psychiatrist Care Work in ADHD Assessment?
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our integrated approach ensures that every assessment and management plan is cohesive, thorough, and tailored to the individual. Psychologists conduct psychometric assessments, structured interviews, and functional testing focused on executive functioning, attention, working memory, and daily life skills, while psychiatrists integrate these findings with their clinical expertise to develop a comprehensive understanding of how ADHD affects daily life and overall functioning. Together, this collaborative process allows us to provide a diagnostic impression, personalised recommendations for therapy, practical strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and, where appropriate, medication, ensuring adults receive practical and meaningful support across work, home, and social environments.
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What Are the Steps in an ADHD Assessment at Positive Wellbeing Psychology?
Our ADHD assessment process is designed to be structured, collaborative, and tailored to each adult’s needs. Below is an overview of the key steps:
1. Initial Consultation with a Psychologist
The assessment begins with a consultation with one of our psychologists. During the initial assessment consultation with one of our ADHD psychologists Melbourne, we gather detailed information about your referral concerns, developmental history, and any previous diagnostic assessments. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions, discuss your experiences, and clarify what to expect from the assessment process.
2. Assessment Components and Psychometric Testing with a Psychologist
Based on your referral concerns, your psychologist will recommend the most relevant assessment components. This typically includes structured psychometric assessments, functional testing focused on executive functioning, attention, working memory, and daily life skills, and the DIVA-5 clinical interview, which usually takes 1.5–2 hours. When appropriate, we may also gather information from someone who has known you since before age 12 to provide additional context for developmental history.
3. Medical Screening Arranged by Your GP
To support your psychiatrist in providing the most effective care, medical screening is required prior to the psychiatric consultation. This includes blood tests, a urine drug screen, and an ECG, usually coordinated with your GP. Completing these investigations in advance ensures your psychiatric consultation can focus on treatment formulation and, if appropriate, initiating therapy or medication on the same day. All results should be submitted to us before your psychiatric appointment.
4. Initial Psychiatric Consultation with an ADHD Psychiatrist
Once the psychologist’s assessment and diagnostic report are complete, your psychologist will liaise with one of our psychiatrists to schedule your psychiatric consultation. During this 90-minute session, the psychiatrist will review all assessment information, discuss management options, and develop a personalised treatment plan. This collaborative approach ensures care is cohesive, evidence-based, and tailored to your individual needs.
How Does Medicare and GP Referral Work During ADHD Assessment?
You would also benefit from speaking with your GP to arrange a referral under the Better Access scheme, which allows you to access a Medicare rebate for the initial assessment consultation with the psychologist, although this does not cover the ADHD assessment components. You can also access a Medicare rebate for the psychiatrist through the MBS Item 291, and it is beneficial to discuss with your GP if they are open to managing your medication should you be diagnosed with ADHD. The psychiatrist typically provides the relevant report and authorisation for your GP to apply for a medication permit and prescribe your treatment, ensuring continuity of care.
How Can Adults Prepare for an ADHD Assessment?
Preparation can improve the efficiency and clarity of an assessment. Adults are encouraged to gather relevant past reports, reflect on patterns of attention and organisation, and consider questions about therapy, treatment options, and symptom management. Being prepared supports a clear and productive discussion during the appointment and can help reduce anxiety.
What Happens After an ADHD Assessment with a Psychiatrist?
Following the evaluation, the psychiatrist provides a comprehensive review of findings and offers a diagnostic impression. Recommendations may include therapy, lifestyle strategies, skill-building interventions, and medication where appropriate. The integrated care approach ensures ongoing support is coordinated between psychologists and psychiatrists, optimising functional outcomes and promoting personal growth. Patients can be reassured that the process is collaborative, respectful, and non-judgemental, with the focus on understanding their unique experiences. Adults seeking an adult ADHD diagnosis Melbourne can access a structured pathway from assessment to treatment in a single, integrated service.
How to Get Started with ADHD Assessment in Melbourne
Adults seeking clarity on ADHD can access specialised, compassionate, and evidence-based assessments through our integrated team in Melbourne. Our collaborative approach ensures that assessments are thorough, tailored, and supportive, providing clarity and practical guidance for ongoing management.
Contact us today to book an ADHD assessment psychiatrist and take the first step towards understanding and managing ADHD effectively.