What an ADHD assessment actually involves

If you have been wondering whether to talk to a doctor about attention, organisation or restlessness, it can help to know what an adult ADHD assessment involves before you book. This article explains the purpose of an assessment, the kinds of things a GP may ask about and the range of possible next steps. It is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation.

What an assessment is for

An assessment is a structured way for a doctor to understand your history and your current circumstances. The aim is to build a clear picture of how you think, work and manage day to day, and to consider the different reasons that might explain what you are noticing.

Healthdirect notes that ADHD can be first diagnosed in adulthood, and that an adult diagnosis needs to establish that symptoms began in childhood. That is why an assessment looks back at your earlier years as well as your life now. The Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD, released in 2022, sets out recommendations for identifying and assessing ADHD with a focus on everyday functioning and quality of life.

An assessment is not a test you pass or fail, and it does not start from a fixed answer. It may or may not lead to a diagnosis, and the outcome depends on what the doctor finds.

The kinds of things you may talk about

Every assessment is different, but the conversation often covers some or all of the following areas.

Your history from childhood

The GP may ask about your early years, including how you found school, what teachers or family members said about you, and whether anything stood out at home or in the classroom. Some people find it useful to think about this beforehand, or to talk to a parent or older relative about what they remember.

School, work and relationships

You may talk about your education, the jobs you have had, how you manage responsibilities and how things go in your relationships with family, friends and colleagues. The focus is on how things work in practice across different parts of your life.

How things show up day to day

The GP may ask about routines, planning, time management, memory, attention, energy and how you handle tasks that need sustained effort. These questions are asked in a neutral way. Many people experience some of these things from time to time, and the purpose is to understand your circumstances, not to tick boxes.

Other things that can look similar or occur alongside

Some experiences that relate to attention or restlessness can have other explanations, or can occur at the same time as ADHD. A GP may ask about sleep, mood, stress, anxiety, learning differences, alcohol or other substance use, and your general physical health. This helps them consider the whole picture rather than a single explanation.

Questionnaires and information from others

An assessment may include one or more standard questionnaires. These are tools that help structure the conversation and record information in a consistent way. They do not make a diagnosis on their own.

The GP may also ask whether someone who knows you well, such as a partner, parent or close friend, can share their observations. Healthdirect notes that a doctor might speak to family members, educators, parents or a partner to understand how things affect daily life. If you have old school reports or previous assessment reports, these can be useful too.

A conversation with a GP

At Everion Health, an assessment is a real-time video conversation with a qualified Australian GP. It is not a form that is processed automatically. You will have the chance to explain things in your own words, ask questions and raise anything that matters to you.

There is no set script, and the conversation is given the time it needs. Sometimes the GP may want to continue the assessment over more than one appointment, or gather further information before reaching a view.

Possible outcomes

Because every person is different, an assessment can lead to a range of outcomes. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• no diagnosis being made, with a discussion of other possible explanations
• a recommendation for further assessment or more information before reaching a view
• a referral to another health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist
• general advice and practical strategies
• ongoing monitoring and review
• if deemed medically appropriate, a management plan developed with you

The GP will explain what they found and why, and talk through what they recommend. You are welcome to ask questions about any part of it, and you can take time to consider your options.

Next steps

If you would like to understand how the process works at Everion Health, you can read about it on our How it works page.

References

• Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), first edition, 2022.
• Healthdirect Australia. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Please note

Individual results vary based on your circumstances. Assessment findings do not guarantee a particular diagnosis, treatment or outcome.

Telehealth is not suitable for all ADHD-related concerns. Your GP may recommend in-person assessment, urgent care, a review by your regular GP, a specialist referral, further investigation or no treatment, depending on your circumstances.

Everion Health does not provide emergency or crisis care. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.