ADHD is one of Australia’s most talked about health topics, yet many adults still aren’t sure what it actually is, or whether an assessment could apply to them.
Learn the signs adults often notice, how ADHD assessments work, and take our quick quiz.
In this article:
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, planning, organisation, and impulse control.
Despite the name, ADHD isn’t simply about having a short attention span, or being hyperactive.
Many adults with ADHD can focus extremely well on things they enjoy, while finding routine tasks, organisation, or time management more difficult.
[highlight] ADHD Australia estimates that around 1 in 20 Australians live with ADHD.
Many adults only begin asking questions after a child, sibling, or partner receives a diagnosis and they recognise similar lifelong patterns in themselves.
ADHD Self-Check Quiz
Select all statements that apply to your experiences.
Common Signs Adults Notice
For many adults, ADHD doesn’t suddenly appear. Instead, people often reflect and realise certain patterns have been present for years.
Some examples include:
- Staying organised feels harder than it should. Even with calendars and reminders, it often feels like you’re working harder than everyone else.
- Deadlines are what get you moving. You intend to start earlier, but the task doesn’t happen until the pressure builds.
- Simple tasks take longer than expected. You underestimate the time, get distracted, or leave several jobs half-finished.
- More responsibility has exposed new challenges. A promotion, tertiary education, or managing a household has made organisation noticeably harder.
- Everyday life admin feels exhausting. Emails, appointments, and bills can quickly become overwhelming.
- People close to you have noticed. A partner, friend, or colleague has commented that you seem forgetful or easily distracted.
- A family member’s diagnosis raised questions. After someone close to you was diagnosed, you started recognising similar patterns in yourself.
These experiences don’t automatically mean ADHD, but they are common reasons adults decide to explore an assessment.
The signs of ADHD can look different from person to person. This short ABC News video features Australians reflecting on what it is like to have ADHD as an adult. Do they sound familiar?
How an ADHD Assessment Referral Works
The first appointment isn’t usually about receiving a diagnosis.
Instead, your GP will want to understand what’s been happening, how long you’ve noticed these patterns, how they’re affecting work or everyday life, and whether there could be other contributing factors.
ADHD appears to be a possibility, your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist for a formal ADHD assessment. Yarra Medical does not conduct ADHD assessments at the clinic, but our GPs can help with the referral process and consider other possible causes for your symptoms.
For more information about the referral process, visit our ADHD Assessments page.
ADHD Isn’t the Only Explanation
Not everyone referred for an ADHD assessment is ultimately diagnosed with ADHD.
Difficulties with concentration, organisation, or memory can also be linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions, and/or iron deficiency.
A thorough assessment helps identify what’s contributing to your symptoms, whether that’s ADHD or another health condition that may benefit from treatment.
What People Often Gain From an Assessment
An assessment doesn’t always end with an ADHD diagnosis, and that’s an important part of the process.
Depending on the outcome, people may gain:
- A clearer understanding of what’s contributing to the challenges they’ve been experiencing.
- Practical strategies to improve organisation, time management, and daily routines.
- Workplace or study adjustments, where appropriate.
- Treatment options, if ADHD is diagnosed.
- Answers about another health condition, if ADHD isn’t the underlying cause.
For many people, having answers brings clarity and makes the next steps much easier.
Where to go From Here?
If some of these experiences feel familiar, your GP can help determine whether an ADHD assessment is appropriate, or whether another health condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
Learn more about Yarra Medical’s Referrals for ADHD Assessments, or if you’ve already been diagnosed, explore our Top 10 Life Hacks for ADHD article for practical tips.
