What is Assessment & Therapy for ADHD?

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms can impact various aspects of daily life, including academic, social, and professional settings.

Inner Eastern Psychology offers both assessment and treatment for ADHD (see below). Please contact our Support Team to learn more.


ADHD in Adults

While ADHD is often associated with childhood, adults can experience similar challenges, though symptoms may manifest differently. Common difficulties include:

  • Impulsivity and difficulty regulating responses

  • Disorganization and trouble prioritizing tasks

  • Poor time management and procrastination

  • Struggles with maintaining focus and multitasking

  • Restlessness or excessive mental activity

  • Difficulty planning and following through with tasks

  • Low frustration tolerance and frequent mood swings

  • Challenges with stress management and emotional regulation


ADHD Diagnostic Assessment

Many people may experience occasional difficulties with focus or impulsivity, but ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms are persistent, disruptive, and have been present since early childhood.

Formal diagnosis of ADHD requires comprehensive clinical evaluation involving structured interviews, standardized assessments, and multiple consultation appointments.

ADHD assessment is available to both children and adults. You can read more about the importance of assessment and what it involves here.


Support & Management of ADHD

Therapy for adult ADHD typically includes:

  • Psychoeducation to improve understanding of ADHD and its impact

  • Skill-building strategies to enhance organization, planning, and time management

  • Psychotherapy to address emotional challenges, stress management, and coping mechanisms

  • Medication to help manage core symptoms (to be discussed with a medical practitioner)


If you are interested in consulting with a psychologists experienced in therapy for ADHD, please contact us to help you match with a suitable clinician.


Please note that psychologists are unable to prescribe medication or perform any medical interventions. Obtaining a diagnosis from psychologists does not automatically guarantee medication prescription by a medical practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Children

    Inattention : Easily distracted, difficulty sustaining attention in class, forgets homework or instructions

    Hyperactivity / Restlessness : Fidgeting, running around when it is inappropriate to do so, difficulty staying seated

    Impulsivity: Interrupts teachers or peers, blurts out answers, acts without considering consequences.

    Emotional challenges: Frequent frustration, low tolerance for delay, mood swings

    Adults

    Inattention : Difficulty focusing during work or conversations, forgetfulness, misplacing items.

    Hyperactivity / Restlessness: Feeling “on edge” or mentally scattered, difficulty relaxing

    Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions, interrupting others, overspending, or risk-taking

    Emotional challenges: Heightened stress sensitivity, irritability, or low frustration tolerance.

    Additionally, adults with ADHD are likely to present with executive function challenges, such as trouble planning, organising, prioritising tasks, or completing projects.
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides some good resources on ADHD symptoms and what they look like across the life span.

  • Yes. For mild to moderate ADHD, it can be managed effectively without medication or as a complementary approach. Evidence-based non-medication interventions include:

    • Behavioural therapy / Parent training (for children): Structured routines, reinforcement systems, and skill-building for attention and self-regulation.

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (for adolescents and adults): Helps manage attention, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.

    • Skills coaching / executive function support: Supports organisation, planning, time management, and task completion.

    It’s important to note that the gold standard treatment approach for moderate to severe ADHD involves medication consideration, with behavioural or psychological interventions.

  • An ADHD assessmenttypically includes:

    - Clinical Interview: Discussing the individual's history, symptoms, and daily functioning.

    - Standardized Rating Scales: Tools like the ADHD Rating Scale or Conners Rating Scales.

    - Collateral Information: Gathering information from parents, teachers, or other significant individuals.

    - Behavioral Observations: Observing the individual's behavior in different settings.

    Regarding cognitive testing, it is generally not a mandatory component of an ADHD assessment. However, it may be considered when there are other concerns, such as learning disabilities or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The decision to include cognitive testing is based on clinical judgment and the specific needs of the individual.

  • The timeframe varies depending on the individual circumstance. The following provides a rough guideline for how long an ADHD assessment usually take:

    - Children & Teens: Typically 2 to 4 hours across one or two sessions, sometimes longer if multiple questionnaires or cognitive tests are used.

    - Adults: Generally 1 to 2 hours, depending on complexity, and needs to exclude certain contributing factors

    Additional assessment time may be needed for feedback or to gather collateral information.

  • There are a number of evidence-based therapies for ADHD, such as:

    - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps improve attention, emotional regulation, and develop effective coping strategies.

    - Behavioral therapy / Parent training, which reinforces routines and reduces disruptive behavior in children.

    - Skills coaching / executive function support are also recommended for adults to time management, task and plan organisation.

    TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention also provides some good resources on ADHD treatment.

  • ADHD symptoms commences in childhood and can continue into adulthood, though they may look different in adults. Symptoms often change over time as our life changes, and at times ADHD symptoms and challenges may become more noticeable when demands increase in our adulthood.

    As a general guide, adults with ADHD often report challenges with the followings:

    - Managing attention: Difficulty sustaining focus, especially on lengthy or uninteresting tasks

    - Organization and task completion: Trouble planning, staying organized, or finishing projects

    - Behavior regulation: Impulsivity or difficulty controlling responses

    - Restlessness or hyperactivity: Feeling internally restless, fidgety, or unable to relax

    - Consistency in healthy routines: Challenges with sleep, nutrition, exercise, or avoiding health risks. 

    These difficulties can impact work, domestic life, social relationships, and overall emotional well-being. If these challenges are persistent and affect everyday life, it may be helpful to consider speaking to a Psychologist who is experienced in ADHD.

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