By Eytan Woolfson, Clinical Psychologist
Many adults arrive at the idea of ADHD sideways. A child is diagnosed and the description sounds uncomfortably familiar. A friend shares their story. A new job or a new baby removes the routines that were quietly holding everything together. Suddenly a lifetime of "could do better if they applied themselves" starts to make a different kind of sense.
If you are considering an ADHD assessment as an adult, this guide explains the signs to look for, how the assessment works at our Murrumbeena clinic and what happens afterwards.
Why are so many adults being diagnosed now?
ADHD does not start in adulthood. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, and Australian clinical guidelines estimate it affects around 2 to 6 per cent of adults. What has changed is recognition. For a long time ADHD was seen as something that affected hyperactive young boys, so children who were quiet, bright or well behaved were often missed. Many of those children are now adults looking for answers.
Signs of ADHD in adults
In adults, ADHD often looks less like hyperactivity and more like a constant struggle to manage everyday life. Common signs include:
Chronic procrastination, then working in a last-minute panic
Difficulty starting, prioritising and finishing tasks
Losing track of time, running late and underestimating how long things take
Forgetting appointments, bills, messages and where you put things
Zoning out in meetings or conversations, even when you care
Inner restlessness or a mind that will not switch off
Impulsive spending, decisions or comments
Strong emotional reactions and low tolerance for frustration
Being able to focus intensely on things you find interesting, and hardly at all on things you do not
A long-standing sense of underachieving or working twice as hard as everyone else
Everyone has some of these some of the time. ADHD is considered when the pattern has been present since childhood, shows up in more than one part of life (work, home, relationships) and causes real difficulty.
ADHD in women
Women are especially likely to reach adulthood undiagnosed. Girls with ADHD are more often inattentive than hyperactive, so they tend to be described as dreamy, chatty or anxious. Many learn to mask their difficulties by over-preparing, people-pleasing and working harder than their peers. The cost is often exhaustion, anxiety or low mood, and it is common for women to be treated for those for years before ADHD is considered.
Is it ADHD or something else?
Poor concentration has many possible causes, including anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, poor sleep and some medical conditions. These can look like ADHD and they frequently occur alongside it. This is why a comprehensive assessment matters more than an online quiz. The aim is to understand the whole picture so that the support you receive actually fits.
What an adult ADHD assessment involves
At Family First Psychology, an ADHD assessment for adults includes:
Clinical interview. We talk through your current difficulties, daily life, work, relationships, health and how things have changed over time.
Questionnaires. You complete standardised rating scales. With your permission, we may also ask someone who knows you well, such as a partner or parent, for their perspective.
Childhood history. Because ADHD begins in childhood, we look for early signs. Old school reports are helpful if you have them.
Structured diagnostic interview. We use the DIVA-5, which goes through ADHD symptoms in both childhood and adulthood in detail.
Cognitive testing. The WAIS-IV helps us understand your thinking strengths and rule out other explanations.
Feedback session and written report. We explain the results in plain language and give you a detailed report with practical recommendations.
How to prepare
Find your primary and secondary school reports if you can. Teacher comments are often more useful than grades.
Think about who could describe what you were like as a child.
Write down specific examples of how your difficulties affect work, study, home and relationships.
Note any previous diagnoses, medications and relevant family history.
Do not worry if you cannot find old reports or your memories are patchy. We work with the information available.
How much does it cost?
Our ADHD assessment is $1,500, which includes the interviews, questionnaires, testing, feedback session and written report. Current prices are listed on our Fees & Rebates page.
What happens after a diagnosis?
For many adults, the first feeling is relief. A diagnosis can reframe years of self-criticism and open up practical options:
Understanding how your brain works, so you can stop fighting it and start working with it
Therapy and skills coaching for organisation, time management, emotional regulation and self-esteem
Workplace or study adjustments, supported by the recommendations in your report
Medication review. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If you would like to explore it, we can write to your GP about a referral to a psychiatrist.
If the assessment points to something other than ADHD, you will still leave with a clear explanation and a plan.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old to be assessed for ADHD?
No. Adults of any age can be assessed. Many people are diagnosed in their thirties, forties, fifties and beyond.
Can I have ADHD if I did well at school?
Yes. Intelligence, structure and a lot of hidden effort can cover ADHD for years. Difficulties often become more obvious when demands increase, such as at university, in a senior role or after having children.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD in adults?
Yes. Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD. Medication can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly to book an assessment.
Do you assess children as well?
Yes. See our guide to ADHD assessment in Melbourne for children, teenagers and adults.
Ready to find out?
If this article sounds like you, a conversation is a good place to start. Family First Psychology offers a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions and decide whether an assessment is the right next step.
Book your free 15-minute chat today. Send us an enquiry or call 0406 002 269. We see clients at our Murrumbeena clinic in Melbourne's south-east and via telehealth.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual professional advice. Family First Psychology is not a crisis service. In an emergency call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.