Adult ADHD

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder characterised by persistent problems with inattention and hyperactivity which negatively impacts functioning in a number of areas including occupational and social settings. 

Symptoms can include impulsiveness; quick temper; being easily frustrated; poor organisation; inability to focus; trouble completing tasks; restlessness; and poor time management skills. Most people experience some of these symptoms at some stage in their lives.  This doesn’t mean they have ADHD.  For a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be long standing (usually since childhood), severe and continuous.

In NSW, psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD in adults.  Psychiatrists are the only medical specialists who can initially prescribe psychostimulant medication for adults. However, a diagnosis of ADHD does not automatically mean that medication will be prescribed.  In many instances, psychological treatments may be preferable to biological ones. 

Assessment pathway

If you feel you may have ADHD, please get in touch.  Our assessment pathway is set out below.  Please note we do not accept referrals for children. 

Stage 1 – referral from GP

·        Ask your GP for a referral for an ADHD assessment.

·        Email the referral letter to admin@timberrypsychiatry.com.

Stage 2 – Information gathering

·        We will send you some documents to complete including a symptom questionnaire and a patient information form.

·        You complete and return the documents to us along with any other collateral information which may be helpful.  This could include:

o   any cognitive/executive functioning assessments;

o   any report you have from a psychologist;

o   school reports;

o   appraisals from work or university.

·        We schedule an appointment with Dr Berry.

·        You need to pay a 50% deposit at this stage to confirm the appointment.

·        If you cancel your appointment with less than 48 hours notice, your deposit will not be refunded. 

Stage 3 – first assessment

·        The first assessment will last around 50 minutes.  During this assessment, Dr Berry will:

o   take a full history; and

o   complete a diagnostic interview for ADHD.

·        Following the assessment, Dr Berry will review all the information, confirm a diagnosis and prepare a management plan.  He may ask you to do certain things such has arrange a physical examination with your GP.

Stage 4 – second assessment

·        The second assessment will usually last around 30 minutes.

·        During this assessment, Dr Berry will:

·        explain his diagnosis and suggested management plan;

·        answer any questions you may have; and

·        provide you with a prescription for medication if he considers it appropriate to do so. 

Stage 5 – follow up

·        Depending on your diagnosis and the suggested management plan, it may be necessary to schedule further follow up appointments.

·        If you have been prescribed psychostimulant medication, Dr Berry will need to see you on a monthly basis until your medication is stablised. Thereafter, reviews will vary according to the rules in the State in which you reside.