ADHD Management

We offer Neurodiverse affirming integrated therapy, which includes a combination of:

Trauma processing: to heal the internalised sense of self, develop self-acceptance and compassion, and unpack internalised negative messages (by the age of 10, kids with ADHD receive 20,000 more negative messages and critiques than their peers without ADHD. 20,000 more negative comments. Over the course of 10 years, that's more than 5 negative comments PER DAY MORE than their peers – spending time processing, and healing this is important).
Behavioural Therapy: Teaches new behaviours and strategies to manage symptoms (that you deem important).
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Parent Training: Equips parents with strategies to manage their child's behaviour and create a supportive home environment.
School-Based Interventions: Teachers implement classroom strategies to accommodate the child's needs.

Psychoeducation:

Education and Information: Provides knowledge about ADHD and coping strategies.
Skills Training: Teaches essential life skills like time management and organization.

Medication:

Stimulant Medications: Commonly prescribed drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamines for symptom management.
Non-Stimulant Medications: Options like atomoxetine for those who don't respond well to stimulants or have certain contraindications.
Medication Management: Requires careful monitoring by a healthcare professional to find the most effective and tolerable medication.

Treatment plans for ADHD often involve a combination of these approaches tailored to the individual's age, specific symptoms, individual ADHD profile, and needs. Please note, while we provide therapeutic support and intervention that includes a combination of these treatments, we are unable to prescribe at Immersive Psychology Group, and only Psychiatrist and Doctors are able to prescribe medication.

Late ADHD Diagnosis

Although it has long been conceptualised as a disorder of childhood, up to 90% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Obtaining a diagnosis in adulthood is also possible, as in one study, 75% of adults with ADHD were not previously diagnosed in childhood. This is especially true for women.

Why are we seeing more late ADHD diagnosis coming through?

Mild or Subtle Symptoms: Some individuals may have had mild or subtle ADHD symptoms during childhood that did not attract attention.
Coping Strategies: Natural development of coping strategies can mask ADHD symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging, although very exhausting and distressing for the individual masking these symptoms.
Misdiagnosis: ADHD symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed recognition.
Life Transitions: Significant life changes, like entering college or the workforce, and or having children, can highlight previously unnoticed ADHD symptoms. For women often this includes hormonal fluctuation with age (such as puberty, having children and menopause).
Awareness and Education: Increased awareness of ADHD and evolving diagnostic criteria have led more adults to seek evaluations.
Family History: A family history of ADHD may increase the likelihood of recognizing the condition later in life.
Symptom Changes: ADHD symptoms can change and manifest differently over time, affecting recognition.
Stigma and Stereotypes: Stigma and stereotypes around ADHD can discourage adults from seeking evaluation and diagnosis.

Is there an over diagnosis of ADHD?

In Australia specifically we are NOT over diagnosing. In fact, in any population on average, it is typical to see about 5% of the population reporting an ADHD diagnosis. However, in Australia the rate is only 1%, so in fact, we are under diagnosis and undertreating.

We are seeing increased awareness of ADHD, which is to be expect as more access to information is readily available, reduced stigmatisation of ADHD and seeking support, and increased access to diagnoses and support. Greater awareness of ADHD and its symptoms can lead to more individuals seeking evaluations. This increased awareness can be positive if it leads to accurate diagnoses and appropriate interventions.

ADHD Diagnosis in Women

While ADHD appears to be more common in males, females are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in symptoms.

Women Vs Men - Predominant Symptoms

Women

Men

Women

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Women with ADHD often exhibit predominantly inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. They may struggle with focus, organization, time management, and day dreaming.
Internalizing Symptoms: Women tend to internalize their ADHD symptoms, leading to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and self-blame. This can make it less apparent that they have ADHD.
Co-occurring Conditions: ADHD in women frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. These comorbidities can complicate the diagnostic process.
Compensatory Strategies: Women with ADHD often develop compensatory mechanisms to manage their symptoms, such as overachieving, perfectionism, or meticulous organization. These strategies can mask the underlying condition.
Social Expectations: Societal and cultural expectations often place higher demands on women to be organized, attentive, and responsible. Women may expend significant effort to meet these expectations, making their ADHD symptoms less apparent.
Late Diagnosis: Due to the factors mentioned above, many women receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life, often in adulthood. Life transitions, such as motherhood or entering the workforce, can highlight previously undetected symptoms.

Men

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Men with ADHD are more likely to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, which can be more noticeable and align with traditional ADHD stereotypes.
Externalizing Symptoms: Men often externalize their ADHD symptoms through restlessness, impulsivity, and disruptive behaviors. This may lead to earlier recognition and diagnosis, especially in childhood.
Fewer Co-occurring Conditions: While co-occurring conditions can still occur in men with ADHD, they may be less common compared to women.
Less Use of Compensatory Strategies: Men may be less inclined to develop elaborate compensatory strategies and may rely more on external support and accommodations.

Benefits of a late diagnosis:

Getting a late ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis can be important for several reasons:

Understanding Past Struggles: Individuals with undiagnosed ADHD may have struggled throughout their lives without understanding the root cause of their difficulties. A late diagnosis can provide clarity and insight into why certain challenges persisted in areas such as academics, work, relationships, and daily functioning.
Access to Support and Accommodations: A formal diagnosis can open the door to support and accommodations. In educational settings, workplaces, and even in personal relationships, having an official diagnosis can allow individuals to access accommodations that can make tasks more manageable and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms on daily life.
Mental Health Treatment: Many individuals with ADHD also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. A late diagnosis can help in understanding these challenges and guide appropriate mental health interventions and treatment strategies.
Medication Management: For some individuals, medication can be an effective component of ADHD treatment. A late diagnosis allows for a more informed discussion about the potential benefits and risks of medication, enabling individuals to make choices about their treatment options.
Improving Self-Understanding: Understanding that one has ADHD can lead to increased self-awareness. This awareness can empower individuals to develop coping strategies, implement organizational tools, and make lifestyle adjustments that cater to their specific needs and strengths.
Validation and Emotional Well-being: A late diagnosis can provide validation for individuals who may have felt misunderstood, blamed, or stigmatized for their difficulties. It can help reduce feelings of guilt or shame and foster a more positive self-image.
Enhancing Relationships: Understanding ADHD can improve interpersonal relationships. Loved ones and colleagues may gain insights into the challenges faced by the individual with ADHD, leading to increased empathy and better communication.
Preventing Further Complications: Untreated ADHD can lead to various difficulties, including academic underachievement, employment problems, and relationship strain. A late diagnosis allows for the implementation of strategies to prevent or mitigate these potential complications.

It's important to note that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist into adulthood. If you or someone you know suspects, they may have ADHD or if you have struggled with symptoms throughout their life, seeking a professional evaluation can be a crucial step in gaining a comprehensive understanding of your challenges and accessing appropriate support and treatment.