Understanding ADHD & ADD: Why ADHD Testing for Adolescents and Adults Still Matters for ADHD Therapists

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects many children and adults, impacting attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control. With recent regulatory changes allowing GPs to prescribe ADHD medication in some Australian states, the need for comprehensive psychological assessment has never been more critical.

Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD report feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks—constantly misplacing keys, struggling to meet deadlines, or zoning out during conversations. Parents may notice their child seems intelligent but has trouble following through on instructions, forgets homework, or becomes easily frustrated. These challenges often lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, or conflict at home and work.

A formal psychological assessment helps individuals and families make sense of these struggles, providing clarity and a roadmap for targeted support.

At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, our team of Sydney psychologists includes ADHD therapists that provide evidence-based ADHD assessments and treatment support for adolescents and adults. This article explores the differences within ADHD, the risks of misdiagnosis, and why formal psychological assessment remains essential.

"For those who have been struggling with unrecognized ADHD, there are significant impacts to mental health, social life, and work life. Thoughtful diagnosis and subsequent treatment can make all the difference." (Abdelnour and others, 2022).

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of:

• Inattention

• Hyperactivity

• Impulsivity

• Emotional dysregulation

It is not a behavioural problem or a sign of laziness—ADHD is a well-researched medical condition that affects both children and adults.

Ever walked into a room, forgotten why you were there, spotted a half-eaten sandwich, and ended up alphabetising your spice rack instead? For many people with ADHD, that’s just a regular Tuesday. Their brain isn’t lazy—it’s wired to notice everything, making it hard to stay on one track.

Stimulus-Driven Attention in ADHD

People with ADHD often have stimulus-driven attention. Their focus is pulled toward whatever is most interesting, urgent, or novel, not necessarily what’s most important.

It’s not that they can’t focus. They can hyperfocus on things that stimulate them, like video games or creative tasks. The challenge is regulating what they focus on, especially when tasks lack immediate feedback. This explains why someone with ADHD might organise the garage at 2 a.m. but forget to send an important email or feed the dog.

ADD vs ADHD – What’s the Difference?

What Happened to ADD? Understanding Inattentive ADHD

"ADD" (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an outdated term. It used to describe individuals who struggled with attention but didn’t display hyperactivity. While still used colloquially, the term was phased out in 1994.

Today, the DSM-5-TR recognises three presentations of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (formerly referred to as ADD)

• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

• Combined Presentation

ADHD vs ADD – Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding inattentive ADHD is vital. People with this subtype often:

• Are overlooked in school or work settings

• Appear calm but struggle internally with focus

• Are underdiagnosed, especially females or high-achievers

For example, a bright teenage girl might daydream through class, miss deadlines, and get labelled "lazy" despite trying her best. Without recognising this subtype, her needs may go unmet.

What is ADHD Psychology?

ADHD psychology examines how attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation operate within the brain. It’s not just about what’s going wrong—it’s about understanding why and learning what helps.

Psychologists use evidence-based strategies to help individuals:

• Build focus and self-awareness

• Manage behaviour and emotional ups and downs

• Develop executive functioning skills

This insight helps GPs and psychiatrists choose medications that align with the individual’s unique cognitive profile, leading to more personalised, effective care.

ADHD Testing Adult: Why It’s Never Too Late for Clarity

Quick Self-Test: Could ADHD Be Affecting You?

Not sure if ADHD might be part of your experience? This brief self-reflection quiz can help you decide whether to consider a formal assessment. Think about your answers to the following questions:

1. How do you feel during long meetings or movies—do you get restless or distracted?

2. How did your attention in school compare to other students in middle or high school?

3. Can you stay focused for long periods while reading or working?

4. Have you ever made avoidable mistakes on exams or at work due to inattention?

5. Do you often lose things like your phone or keys?

6. Are you likely to forget tasks unless you write them down?

7. What happens when you have a long to-do list—do you freeze, procrastinate, or feel overwhelmed?

8. Can you easily focus on fun activities but struggle with boring or routine tasks?

9. Do friends or family ask if you’re listening? Do you often pretend you heard them?

10. Do you interrupt others or blurt things out impulsively? Has this caused problems at work or in relationships?

11. Do you drink coffee regularly? How does it affect your focus and energy?

If several of these questions sound familiar, you may benefit from ADHD testing for adults and adolescents. A proper assessment can provide answers, support, and a path forward.

Many adults wonder if they’ve been living with undiagnosed ADHD. If you've always struggled with focus, organisation, or emotional regulation, ADHD testing in adulthood can provide valuable answers and peace of mind.

Adult ADHD can show up differently than in children. Rather than hyperactivity, it might look like:

• Chronic procrastination

• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks

• Restlessness or racing thoughts

• Trouble managing time, money, or emotions

An adult ADHD assessment typically includes a clinical interview, behavioural questionnaires, and cognitive testing. It helps distinguish ADHD from other conditions like anxiety or depression and ensures the right supports—medication, therapy, or workplace adjustments—are in place.

At iflow Psychology, we offer ADHD testing for adolescents and adults and offer both in-person and telehealth appointments. Getting tested can be the first step toward gaining more confidence, fostering healthier relationships, and leading a calmer daily life.

Why Formal Psychological Assessment Still Matters

Recent changes mean GPs can prescribe ADHD medications in some states. This boosts accessibility, but it also raises the risk of:

• Misdiagnosis

• Missed comorbidities

• Inadequate treatment

• Inappropriate medication

• Missed support needs

• Delays in accessing school or workplace adjustments

While medication can be a valuable part of ADHD treatment, jumping straight to a prescription without a psychological assessment can overlook the bigger picture.

ADHD often coexists with other challenges like anxiety, learning difficulties, trauma, or mood disorders. Without a proper assessment, it’s easy to mistake one condition for another—or to miss how they interact. Psychological assessments help ensure that what looks like ADHD is ADHD, and not something else entirely.

Therapy also plays a vital role before or alongside medication. It helps individuals:

• Build awareness of how ADHD affects their daily life

• Develop practical strategies to manage time, emotions, and focus

• Learn coping skills for setbacks, stress, or low self-esteem

• Set up healthy routines that support long-term progress

For children, it can also involve parent coaching and school-based recommendations, ensuring the whole environment is supportive, not just the symptoms.

In short, psychological assessment and therapy help form the foundation of a treatment plan, so medication becomes part of a targeted, holistic approach, not a stand-alone fix.

Why Formal ADHD Diagnosis Matters More Than Ever

With GPs now playing a larger role in ADHD treatment, the accuracy of diagnosis is more important than ever. Why? ADHD has high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, such as behavioural aberrances (52%), anxiety (33%), depression (17%), and autism spectrum conditions (14%) (Abdelnour and others, 2022). ADHD can also co-occur with conditions such as learning difficulties, sleep disturbances, and other mood disorders.

Many people with ADHD may also experience another mental health condition. Without formal assessment, these may go unrecognised, and treatment may fall short.

ADHD Testing Adult

Don’t Skip the Assessment – Start With Confidence

While it may be tempting to “fast-track” treatment, a thorough psychological assessment helps avoid these pitfalls.

At iflow Psychology, our experienced clinicians provide thorough, independent ADHD assessments that comply with current Australian and international best practices. We also support you with follow-up care, therapeutic strategies, and referrals if required.

Importance of Psychological Assessments in ADHD Treatment

Why are Assessments Necessary?

Formal psychological assessments play a crucial role in understanding a patient’s symptoms and overall functionality. These assessments can:

1. Confirm Diagnoses: Ensuring that ADHD or "ADD" diagnoses are accurate, preventing misdiagnosis.

2. Identify Comorbid Conditions: About 60% of individuals with ADHD may also struggle with conditions like anxiety or depression. Recognising these can enhance treatment plans.

3. Inform Tailored Treatment Plans: A comprehensive overview of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses can aid GPs and specialists in creating effective, personalised strategies.

The relationship between ADD and ADHD emphasises the importance of careful assessment for successful intervention strategies.

The Benefits of Formal Psychological Assessment

A comprehensive psychological assessment offers more than a simple yes-or-no diagnosis. At iflow Psychology, our assessments typically include:

• Clinical interviews with the client and family members (if applicable)

• Standardised behaviour and symptom rating scales

• Cognitive testing, where appropriate

• Analysis of emotional, academic, and social functioning

• A tailored report with recommendations for support, therapy, and next steps

This process helps identify an individual's unique profile of strengths and challenges, informing a treatment plan that is both accurate and practical.

The Role of Psychological Evaluation in Different Phases of Treatment

When Are Assessments Most Helpful?

Psychological assessments can support ADHD treatment at three key stages:

1. At the time of initial diagnosis, a thorough assessment helps identify the specific difficulties an individual faces. This process generally includes standardised questionnaires, interviews, and observational techniques, which paint a complete picture of the individual’s struggles. The goal is to clarify the presence of ADHD, rule out other concerns, and support applications for school or workplace accommodations.

2. Ongoing evaluation during treatment reviews, as treatment develops, allows healthcare providers to monitor changes in symptoms and overall functioning. These evaluations can inform adjustments to medication and therapeutic strategies based on the observed progress. Evaluate whether current strategies or medications are effective and guide necessary adjustments.

3. Lifelong management in adult life, ADHD management often extends into adulthood. Formal psychological assessments can help adults address workplace challenges or changes in family dynamics. For instance, adults with ADHD may find themselves overwhelmed in high-pressure jobs without proper management strategies in place.

ADHD Treatment Should Be Personalised

While stimulant medication can be highly effective, it’s not suitable for everyone. A good psychological assessment helps inform non-medication interventions, such as:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Parent coaching and behaviour support for children

• Executive functioning skill development

• Emotional regulation training

• Environmental adaptations at school or work

At iflow Psychology, we work closely with individuals, families, schools, and referring doctors to create realistic, strengths-based treatment plans.

Therapists for ADHD: The Shift in Treatment Practices

Traditionally, ADHD treatment was managed by specialists in psychiatry or psychology. However, with GPs now able to prescribe ADHD medications, this shift increases treatment accessibility for many. A report showed that medication prescriptions for ADHD have skyrocketed. The population rate for ADHD prescriptions increased 11-fold from 2 patients per 1,000 population in 2004–05 to 22 (2% of the Australian population) in 2023–24. This data highlights the need for careful medication management and accurate diagnosis. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025).

For example, a bright teenage girl might daydream through classes, quietly miss deadlines, and spend hours re-reading the same paragraph without realising she’s lost focus. Because she’s not disruptive or hyperactive, her struggles might be dismissed as laziness or perfectionism. Without a proper understanding of inattentive ADHD, teachers and even parents may overlook her need for support, potentially leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, or burnout later in life. Recognising these subtle signs ensures that treatment plans address not just how a person behaves, but how they experience the world.

This shift in prescribing practices highlights the importance of formal psychological assessments, which provide valuable insights into an individual's unique presentation, needs, and strengths. A proper diagnosis ensures treatment is based on individual needs, not assumptions.

Understanding the nuanced differences in ADHD presentations helps individuals, parents, and healthcare providers choose interventions that make a real difference. By prioritising clear assessments and fostering collaboration between GPs and mental health professionals, we can improve both the accessibility and effectiveness of treatment. Together, we can create supportive environments that empower individuals with ADHD to thrive in all areas of life.

Your Next Step: ADHD Assessment at iflow Psychology

📍 Located in Gladesville, we support clients across Inner West and Greater Sydney

💻 Telehealth available across NSW

📋 No referral needed to book

At iflow Psychology, we deliver comprehensive ADHD assessments for adolescents and adults, offering:

• Diagnostic clarity

• Practical strategies

• Reports for schools, workplaces, or GPs

• Ongoing therapeutic support

👉 Book an ADHD Assessment Today: Visit iflowpsychology.com.au

References

Abdelnour, E., Jansen, M. O., & Gold, J. A. (2022). ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis?. Missouri medicine, 119(5), 467–473.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025, May 20). ADHD medications dispensed over time. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/mental-health-prescriptions/adhd-medications-dispensed-overtime