How to navigate the ADHD diagnostic process in Australia: A Step-by-Step guide for Adults

Navigating the ADHD diagnostic process can be challenging, especially for adults who might have dealt with undiagnosed symptoms for years.

This journey involves three main steps:

1. learning about ADHD,

2. seeing your GP, and

3. consulting a specialist.

   
   

Support from an ADHD coach can significantly enhance this experience by helping you understand the steps and manage your symptoms.

Step 1: Doing your own research and understanding your ADHD

Before embarking on the diagnostic journey, it is essential to understand ADHD and its personal impact on you. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, these symptoms can manifest differently in adults, particularly in women, and may evolve over time.

Educating yourself about ADHD can help you determine if your experiences align with these symptoms. Utilize resources such as:

• Books: Works such as "Driven to Distraction" by Edward M. Hallowell offer personal insights and expert guidance. "How to Thrive with Adult ADHD" by Dr. James Kustow is one of the most current resources, providing plenty of practical advice to help you understand your ADHD.

• ADHD questionnaires: Questionnaire like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), are widely utilised in Australia for self-screening of ADHD symptoms in adults. You can download it here.

• Websites: The Australian ADHD Professionals Association offers guidance tailored to local need: https://aadpa.com.au/adhd-information-sheets/

• Podcasts: The international reference is the ADHD Expert Podcast:  This podcast has received positive feedback from listeners and professionals in the field, often being recommended by ADHD support groups and organisations.

• Instagram: a fun way to learn about ADHD is to follow some well documented instagram account such as mine (coachingattention) and for visual learners, the mini ADHD coach (in available in French and English!)

Step 2: Seeing Your GP

The first step in the diagnostic process is scheduling an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will conduct an initial assessment, discussing symptoms, medical history, and any family history related to ADHD.

To prepare for this appointment, consider the following:

• List of Symptoms: Note specific behaviors, such as forgetfulness or difficulty focusing. For example, 80% of people with ADHD experience issues with attention regulation. You can use the ASRS questionnaire mentioned above as a guideline.

• Impact on Daily Life: Reflect on how these symptoms affect your work, relationships, and daily tasks.

• Consider and share any mental and physical health issues, such as:

  • Low tolerance to stress

  • Burnout and chronic fatigue

  • Frequent feelings of overwhelm

  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia

  • Persistent anxiety and its physical manifestations

Being open and honest during your appointment is crucial. Based on this initial assessment, your GP may refer you to an ADHD coach or a psychologist who specializes in adult ADHD, providing you with additional support and guidance.

Step 3: Consulting a Specialist

After receiving a referral, your next step is to see a specialist.

In Australia, only a few specialists are authorized to provide a formal diagnosis and prescribe ADHD medication. These specialists typically include psychiatrists, pediatricians, and neurologists who have specific training and experience in managing ADHD. Their expertise ensures that individuals receive an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan tailored to their needs. This appointment involves a comprehensive assessment, including standardised questionnaires and interviews.

It is important to note that there is no single test for ADHD. The diagnosis will be made through a comprehensive clinical interview that combines questionnaires, discussions, tests, and other screening methods.

The specialist will evaluate symptoms against the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and may also assess for co-existing conditions. Studies show that up to 70% of adults with ADHD also face issues like anxiety or depression.

During this stage, your ADHD coach can be very helpful. They can assist you in preparing for the assessment by discussing potential questions and formulating your responses. Additionally, they can offer strategies to manage any anxiety or stress that may arise during the evaluation.

Getting Support Along the Way

Having an ADHD coach by your side can greatly enhance your experience throughout the diagnostic process. They can help you navigate the healthcare landscape, provide emotional support, and offer practical strategies for symptom management.

This support is especially beneficial as you transition into treatment and begin to implement various strategies into your daily life.