ADHD Assessment Perth
ADHD test for children, adolescents and adults
ADHD ASSESSMENT
Types of ADHD and Common Symptoms:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a one of the most common disorders that affects both children and adults.
According to the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association), which is the most widely used reference manual in the world, there are two types of ADHD.
One is called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder–Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PIP) and the other is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder–Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-PHIP).
ADHD-PIP, also commonly referred to as ADD, refers to the passive type of ADHD where the individual typically displays inattention, poor concentration/focus, and distractibility.
ADHD-PHIP, also commonly referred to as ADHD, refers to the hyperactive and impulsive type of ADHD where the individual typically displays hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, and behavioural issues.
Unfortunately, it is only these hyperactive-impulsive ADHD individuals with comorbid behavioural issues that are featured on television current affairs programs giving the general public the misleading impression that all individuals with ADHD display those traits.
ADHD test for children, adolescents and adults:
We provide thorough testing of children and adults for both Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Perth.
There are a number of actions you can take to assist ADHD children with their school learning and behaviour, and also there are a number of strategies available for ADHD adults to assist with their work lives, relationships, and further study.
The crucial first step is to undergo a comprehensive ADHD assessment by a Registered Psychologist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and also to identify any possible common comorbidities such as Anxiety, Depression, and/or Learning Disorders/Dyslexia.
Although a Registered Psychologist can diagnose ADHD, typically a child goes to a Paediatrician and an adult to a Psychiatrist for the formal diagnosis and provision of medication should that be the preferred intervention.
The Psychiatrist and Paediatrician often rely heavily on the ADHD cognitive and behavioural information provided within the Registered Psychologist’s report when deciding if a diagnosis of ADHD is warranted.
When do the symptoms become prominent?
ADHD / ADD is something that a person is born with, therefore, traits can often be seen early on in childhood, however, it may not be until the child reaches the formal confines of school that they really become noticeable.
Many years ago, it was assumed that people grew out of ADHD as they reached adulthood, however, this has now been shown to not be the case at all. Most ADHD children carry their ADHD traits into adulthood and simply become better at managing their own behaviour.
PECS conducts assessments using a cross-battery approach for ADHD and often assesses parents of children brought for an ADHD assessment once the parent realises that they were just like their child when younger and still display some of the ADHD traits.
How is ADHD treated?
There are a number of options available for ADHD treatment, however, due to ADHD being a neurochemical disorder, the most common intervention is ‘chemistry’ (i.e. ADHD medications such as Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexamphetamine, etc).
Behavioural modification programmes and dietary changes can also help lessen the effects of ADHD.
As is always the case, a multimodal approach employing all of the above is optimal.
Booking an ADHD Assessment:
If you would like an ADHD assessment for your child or for yourself, please ring (08) 9388 8044 and one of our staff will provide all of the information you require.
Just remember – you are never too old to have an ADHD assessment. We are often assessing people in their 50’s and 60’s who finally get some relief/understanding of where their life’s issues stemmed from.
Our staff will guide you every step of the way regarding ADHD in children and in adults. Contact us today for an assessment.
