Treat Yourself Well
ADHD in Adults
What is ADHD? ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is a label used to describe individuals whose early brain development...
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ADHD Assessments
What is an ADHD Assessment?
Many adults go through a large portion of their lives unaware that they have ADHD. In many cases, these individuals present with the inattentive type of ADHD, and/or have developed patterns of unconscious masking behaviour, such as long-standing perfectionism, which may have masked any external signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity throughout their lives.
Individuals who were not identified as ADHDer’s in childhood, can be assessed and identified, in adulthood.
An ADHD assessment involves a combination of assessment tools, in addition to a clinical interview, to determine whether an individual has ADHD.
Components of an ADHD Assessment
A full comprehensive ADHD assessment incorporates the following:
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Intake and Clinical Interview with the individual, and if appropriate, their loved ones
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Diagnostic Interview (DIVA-5)
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Diagnostic Self-Report Assessment (CAARS)
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Full Educational Assessment (WAIS IV and WIAT III)
AND
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If identified as appropriate or required - an additional assessment / screener tool for Autism and/or another condition.
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Comprehensive strengths-focused and tailored report that details the assessment outcome with targeted recommendations.
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Feedback session with the individual and, if desired, their loved ones
Measures used in the Autism Assessment
Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults
The DIVA-5 is a structured clinical interview for ADHD in Adults aged 17 years and above.
ADHD is a lifelong condition that starts in childhood. As such, the DIVA-5 aims to assess ADHD-consistent patterns in adulthood, in addition to using a retrospective interview to ascertain whether these patterns were present during the individual’s developmental period. Where possible, the DIVA-5 is conducted with the individual being assessed, as well as at least one loved one who knew them during their in childhood.
The DIVA usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
The DIVA-5 may be followed up with additional mental health screeners for diagnostic clarity and/or to identify any common, co-occurring conditions.
ADHD Assessment Breakdown
The full comprehensive ADHD assessment is used to formally identify ADHD in adults and can be used in combination with a psychiatric consultation to obtain a formal diagnosis. It provides an in-depth assessment of how an individual’s brain is functioning, and how they can best support their brain across various contexts of living.
While the full comprehensive ADHD assessment is available, it may not be necessary for every individual. An initial intake interview will be used to determine which assessment pathway is likely to be most appropriate for you, and for your intended purposes for undergoing the assessment.
Following any assessment, your Psychologist will provide a comprehensive report explaining all the tests that were used, along with the results, and a list of recommendations for home, educational and/or work settings.
A 30 minute to 1 hour feedback session is then held, to explain the results, go through the report and answer any additional questions.
This session can be used for planning further assessment or intervention, if required.
01
1 hour interview to gather background information, clarify the purpose of assessment, and to determine the most appropriate battery of assessments for the individual.
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10-15 minute self-report assessment with CAARS
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1 – 1.5 hour diagnostic interview with the DIVA-5 (may include a loved one who was present during the individuals childhood)
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Detailed assessment report of findings with behavioural and educational recommendations
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Approx. 2 hours of testing with WAIS-IV and WIAT-lll each (may need to be done over 2 separate occasions)
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Up to 1 hour feedback session
Want to find out more?
To learn more or to enquire about our ADHD assessment, contact us at: info@treatyourselfwell.com.au, or give us a call on (02) 9555 4810.
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