While the diagnosis pathway may seem complicated in Australia, the steps are fairly straightforward.
Psychiatrist or Paediatrician for Medication Pathway:
ADHD medications have been in use since the early 1980s and are considered safe for those who have ADHD. If you’re open to medication, a psychiatrist is the only professional in Australia authorized to diagnose and treat ADHD with medication, because a psychiatrist is a medical professional who specialises in mental health. For a child, a paediatrician who specialises in mental health can also diagnose and prescribe. Paediatricians typically treat children and can continue to see their patients into adulthood.
Look for a psychiatrist or paediatrician who understands ADHD. You’ll need a referral from your GP to book an appointment if you want to claim the Medicare rebate. Currently, wait times can exceed six months, but you can consider asking to be placed on a cancellation list to possibly get in earlier.
Psychologist’s Role in Diagnosis:
Psychologists can also assess for ADHD. Different levels of psychology expertise exist based on training and experience. While all psychologists can diagnose conditions within their expertise, if a psychologist diagnoses ADHD, you will still need an appointment with a psychiatrist to diagnose and prescribe medication based on their criteria. Some psychiatrists will consider the diagnosis provided by your psychologist, while others will want to start the assessment from the beginning. When the psychologist and psychiatrist have a working relationship, they may be familiar with each other’s processes and may consider the other’s assessment.
A psychiatrist will almost always need to assess for additional conditions before providing you with medication. This is a safety precaution because stimulant medications (often prescribed for ADHD) can have problematic side effects if the condition is not assessed accurately.
Non-Medication Options:
If you’re not looking for medication, explore other options. A psychologist can diagnose ADHD and help manage symptoms without medication. Find a psychologist specialising in ADHD and enquire about their ADHD-specific training. ADHD treatment requires specialised techniques distinct from those used for anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for example, is very helpful in treating anxiety, but less helpful for ADHD. A psychologist should be able to use a variety of modalities to treat both ADHD and any co-existing conditions.
Getting Started:
In Australia, a GP referral is needed to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist if you want to receive a rebate from Medicare. You can request a mental health plan which covers some psychology fees through Medicare. If you suspect anxiety, depression, ADHD, or any mental illness affecting your life, a mental health plan (in 2023) can part-fund six appointments with a psychologist before you need to revisit with your GP to part-fund an additional four.
Complexity of Symptoms:
Be aware that ADHD symptoms often overlap with others, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, Autism, and sleep disorders, to name a few. Seek professionals who can distinguish between these conditions and ADHD effectively, and who are aware that ADHD can present similar symptoms. Effective treatment and management of ADHD can reduce these symptoms if they are part of ADHD. Which also makes the specific treatment of additional, co-existing conditions more effective.
The Role of ADHD Coaches:
ADHD Coaches, like me, do not diagnose ADHD, and you don’t need a referral to work with a coach. However, we’re extensively trained in managing ADHD. Think of us as guides for effectively living with ADHD. We work differently from psychologists and psychiatrists. While psychologists provide evidence-based strategies for mental health treatment and therapy, coaches are goal and action orientated. We collaborate with you to customise your own strategies for moving forward.
Currently there are only a few recognised ADHD training institutions. Anyone who coaches ADHD should have completed courses with one of the following and should be a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and ADHD Coaches Australasia. AADPA and ADHD Coaches Australasia only accept members who have completed the relevant ADHD Coach training from one of these institutions.
Coaching Approach:
With a coach, you have control. We explore tools and strategies, tailoring them to your needs. We’re dedicated to finding what works best for you and enhancing your life satisfaction.You don’t have to have a diagnosis of ADHD to work with an ADHD coach. Whether you’re diagnosed, medicated or otherwise, we use our collaborative approach to improve your everyday experience and help you move towards your ‘ideal’ life.
Team Effort:
Coaches can collaborate with your GP, employer, school, family, and others to develop your optimal plan. We provide insights and recommend seeing psychologists or psychiatrists when situations go beyond ADHD management.In a nutshell, psychiatrists diagnose and prescribe medication, psychologists diagnose and offer tools, and coaches support you in finding your personalised strategies for a more fulfilling life.
Remember, you’re in charge of your journey towards managing ADHD effectively. Please only work with professionals that you are comfortable with and who provide a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment for you to explore ADHD in your own way.
