Experience Professional Guidance and Support with an ADHD Assessment in Melbourne

However, some individuals do benefit from understanding the general experience. The lived experience of each individual with ADHD is unique, and their narrative is central to understanding their needs and strengths.

ADHD has a range of symptoms that can appear differently. Some common symptoms someone may experience are:

These symptoms can affect people daily as our environments often do not accommodate our strengths, making it hard to succeed predictably in our daily activities. These constraints can negatively impact our sense of self and personal relationships, leaving us feeling frustrated and self-critical.

We are also more aware of gendered differences in the way ADHD presents for females and males. Females are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms, such as:

These symptoms may result in underdiagnosis, as these are not the ‘disruptive’ behaviours that are stereotypical ADHD symptoms.

The difficulty in this under-diagnosis comes as females internalise their experiences, leading to an increased risk of other mental health difficulties such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social issues and substance misuse.

1. Comprehensive Testing and Evaluation: Psychologists often focus on a comprehensive approach through detailed assessments and psychological testing. They can provide a thorough understanding of ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily life.

2. Behavioural and Cognitive Approaches: Psychologists are typically skilled in providing therapeutic interventions and behaviour modification strategies. They can help develop coping strategies, organisational skills, and other behavioural techniques to manage ADHD symptoms effectively.

3. In-Depth Psychological Assessment: If you are looking for a detailed report and psychological profile, including how ADHD affects your cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and social interactions, a psychologist might be a better choice.

4. Focus on Therapy: If you are interested in ongoing therapy and personal development, psychologists are trained to offer therapeutic services that can address both ADHD symptoms and related mental health conditions.

1. Medical Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. If your ADHD symptoms are severe and you believe medication might be necessary, a psychiatrist can provide appropriate pharmacological treatments.

2. Medication Management: For ongoing medication management, including monitoring side effects and adjusting dosages, a psychiatrist is the professional to consult. They can also address any co-occurring conditions that might require medication.

3. Medical Perspective: Psychiatrists can offer insights into how ADHD might interact with other medical conditions or medications, providing a more integrated approach to treatment if you have multiple health concerns.

4. Clinical Assessment: Psychiatrists can perform a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms within the context of your overall mental health, which can be particularly valuable if there are complex interactions with other psychiatric conditions.

Psychologist: Best for in-depth psychological evaluation, behavioural interventions, and therapy-focused support.

Psychiatrist: Best for medical diagnosis, medication management, and a focus on the neurobiological aspects of ADHD.

In many cases, a combination of both healthcare professionals can be beneficial for ADHD testing. For instance, you might start with a psychologist for a detailed assessment and therapy, and then consult a psychiatrist for medication treatment if needed.

Get a better understanding of your mental well-being with our supportive and professional clinical psychologists and registered psychologists. Through our comprehensive assessment report, we can develop a treatment plan suited to your unique needs. We can also assist with depression counselling or any other mental health concerns you may be experiencing.

Contact Solace Psychology Today For an ADHD Assessment in Melbourne.