ADHD Psychologist

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a developmental disorder that is characterised by challenges with attention, concentration, and impulse control. The condition affects people of all ages and significantly impacts the individual’s day-to-day life.

This condition begins during childhood and, while symptoms improve with age for many, some people are affected by ADHD as adults. More than 1 million Australians have ADHD¹, with 6-10% of children and adolescents and 2-6% of adults affected. It is more common in biological males and is often underdiagnosed in adults, especially in women.

What Causes ADHD?

No single cause for ADHD has been identified, however:

• A strong genetic component is likely as the condition runs in families.

• Neurobiological factors and differences in brain activity have been linked to the condition, especially those pertaining to areas of the brain that relate to decision-making, short-term memory, ability to focus, and behavioural and emotional regulation.

• Environmental factors may contribute, including exposure to some toxins (e.g. lead); maternal smoking, alcohol, or substance misuse during pregnancy; low infant birth weight and prematurity; and possibly some nutritional deficiencies or food sensitivities.

A diagnosis of ADHD requires that several symptoms are present, in two or more settings (e.g. home and work, home and school) and that they started before the age of 12 years. 

ADHD can present as:

1. Inattentive Type – the individual is easily distractible but displays no signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Symptoms may include:

• Struggling to concentrate, remain focused, or complete tasks once started

• Procrastination, especially when activities require sustained effort

• Easily distractible

• Forgetfulness 

• Daydreaming

• Difficulty following instructions

• Difficulty focusing on repetitive tasks or those they are uninterested in

• Difficulty organising time, belongings, or tasks

• Tendency to lose things

• Lack of attention to detail/making careless mistakes

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – the individual displays hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours.

Symptoms may include:

• Restlessness/fidgeting

• Difficulty sitting for long periods

• Interrupting or talking excessively

• Difficulty waiting for a turn

• Answering questions before they have been fully asked

• Impulsive actions without consideration of consequences

• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

• Constantly seeking stimulation as boredom is intolerable

• Prioritising immediate gratification over larger, delayed rewards

• Engagement in risky/dangerous behaviours

• Persistent reliance on others to meet their needs/desires

3. Combined Type – displays a mixture of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Some people with ADHD remain undiagnosed, and it is only when they seek help for unrelated symptoms that the condition is recognised as an underlying or contributing factor. As many as 75% of adults with ADHD also experience other coexisting mental health concerns. These may include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Learning difficulties 

• Substance abuse issues/addiction

• Eating disorders

Reach Out To Us For Help

Reach Psychology Clinical and Telehealth Services tailors our treatment approach for ADHD with evidence-based therapies. Our ADHD psychologist fosters a compassionate, nurturing environment where we provide our clients with proven practical strategies to build the skills to help manage the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This includes focusing on skills relating to time management, organisation, emotional regulation, and education about ADHD itself. Combined, these can effectively reduce the impact of the condition on daily life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: (CBT) is a first-line treatment approach for addressing the co-occurring challenges such as depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, disordered eating, and substance abuse issues that are more common for people with ADHD. 

Schema Therapy: is another treatment that can be very helpful for people with ADHD. Adults with this condition often experience persistent feelings of inadequacy, failure, or laziness; these are invariably rooted in years (or decades) of criticism, misunderstanding, or invalidation from others, especially when a diagnosis has come in adulthood or later in life. Schema Therapy helps the client identify and challenge deeply-held negative self-beliefs, improve mental well-being, and build confidence.

You can thrive despite an ADHD diagnosis. Our psychologists are here to guide you, helping you build new skills to promote emotional growth and self-compassion for a richer and more rewarding, meaningful, and satisfying life

Please Reach out and contact us today.