Australia-Based
Our psychiatrists are located in Australia and governed by Australian law.
Online Appointments
Get access to telepsychiatry services from any eligible area.
Comprehensive Services
Our psychiatrists specialise in various fields and various age groups.
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At JAAS Psych, we understand that managing ADHD can be challenging for both children and adults. Our team of Australian-qualified psychiatrists is dedicated to providing comprehensive, tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of individuals with ADHD. We strive to improve attention, behaviour, and overall quality of life for our patients.
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, often continuing from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.
ADHD involves lower activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for executive functions such as attention, planning, and the execution of goal-directed tasks. This disorder also affects the complex reward system in the brain, making it difficult for individuals to plan, organise, manage time, and control emotions.
Types of ADHD
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Difficulty focusing, following instructions, and completing tasks.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Excessive movement, fidgeting, and impulsive actions without considering consequences.
Combined Presentation
Symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
Signs of Executive Function Challenges
Executive function challenges often look like the signs of ADHD. People struggling with these skills may:
Have trouble starting and completing tasks
Struggle with prioritising and organising tasks
Forget what they just heard or read
Panic when rules or routines change
Have difficulty managing time and switching focus between tasks
Treatment Approaches
Behavioural Therapy
Focuses on modifying negative behaviours and developing positive coping strategies. Techniques include behaviour modification, social skills training, and organisational skills training.
Medication Management
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Our psychiatrists carefully select and monitor medications to ensure the best outcomes with minimal side effects.
Parent Training and Education
Involves educating parents on ADHD and effective management strategies to support their child’s development and improve family dynamics.
School-Based Interventions
Collaboration with educators to implement individualised education plans (IEPs) and classroom modifications to help students with ADHD succeed academically.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps individuals with ADHD develop skills to manage symptoms, improve organisation, and enhance self-control.
Comprehensive ADHD Assessments
Assessment Pathway
Our assessment process for ADHD is thorough and includes multiple stages to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The assessment pathway is as follows:
Stage 1
Referral from GP
Ask your GP for a referral for an ADHD assessment and email it to info@jaaspsych.com.au.
Stage 2
Information Gathering
We will send you documents, including a symptom questionnaire and a patient information form, to complete and return. These may include previous assessments, psychologist reports, school reports, or appraisals from work or university.
Customised ADHD Treatment Plans
Every patient at JAAS Psych receives a personalised care plan tailored to their specific ADHD presentation and individual needs. Our goal is to help patients improve their daily functioning, academic performance, and social interactions through targeted and effective management strategies.
We’re Not An Emergency Service
Telehealth services, including those provided by JAAS Psych, are not for emergencies. In case of immediate risk, dial 000 or visit your local hospital’s emergency department.
If you are seeking additional supports, please see below.
Lifeline
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Beyond Blue
Whether you're seeking mental health information or 24/7 qualified support for you or someone else, Beyond Blue here for you.
headspace
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.
Stage 3
First Assessment
This initial 60-minute assessment will focus on your mental health history and address any concerns prior to ADHD assessment. Following this, our psychiatrist will review the information, confirm a diagnosis, and prepare a management plan.
Stage 4
Second Assessment
This assessment, lasting just over 30 minutes, will focus on ADHD diagnosis. You may be asked to bring a parent or sibling to the assessment, which can be conducted over Zoom if necessary.
Stage 5
Third Assessment (bulk billed)
During this final assessment, the psychiatrist will explain the diagnosis and suggested management plan, answer any questions, and provide a prescription for medication if appropriate. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled as needed, especially if psychostimulant medication is prescribed.
Diagnostic Tools and Supportive Evidence
Your treating psychiatrist will provide standardised tools to confirm your diagnosis and guide treatment. For children, additional parental and teacher questionnaires will be required.
Could It Be ADHD?
If you suspect that ADHD is affecting you or your loved one, it’s important to understand that ADHD is a well-researched condition that can improve significantly with treatment. While the symptoms of ADHD may sometimes be mistaken for a lack of motivation or maturity, they often indicate a different operating system in the brain where actions are driven by interest, challenge, or urgency rather than importance.
At JAAS Psych, we believe that understanding the ADHD brain can lead to meaningful change. We offer a range of treatment options, including medication, behavioural therapy, and support structures to help manage daily functioning and improve quality of life.
Physical Work-Up, Monitoring, and Exclusions
Your GP plays a crucial role in your ADHD treatment. Before starting treatment, you will need baseline physical health investigations, including:
Blood pressure and heart rate checks
BMI measurements
Growth parameters (for children)
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Blood tests: FBC, EUC, CMP, LFT, TFT, BSL, Lipids/Chol., B12, Folate, Vit D, Iron studies
Urine Drug Screen (UDS)
Throughout treatment, regular monitoring of your physical health will be necessary.
Knowledge Is Power
Understanding ADHD and its impact is invaluable. By learning about the disorder, you can take the necessary steps to get effective treatment and improve your quality of life. We encourage you to seek evaluation and treatment from experienced professionals if you suspect ADHD is affecting you or your loved one.
For more detailed information, download our supporting documents:
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a licensed medical practitioner for a professional diagnosis and treatment.