ADHD Assessments.
ADHD Screening based on the DIVA 5.0 Assessment.
ADHD is a disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
ADHD is a disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
It is one of the very common mental health disorders in children and adolescents, and it can continue into adulthood. Many adults are concerned about symptoms suggestive of the disorder but have never been diagnosed in their earlier life.
The DIVA 5.0 ADHD assessment is a comprehensive assessment tool used for children, adolescents, and adults. If an assessment suggests a diagnosis of ADHD, a referral to a psychiatrist is an option for definitive treatment. Another option is to be referred to a psychologist for counselling to learn strategies that make it easier to cope with and reduce symptoms.
Dr Kate Schilling offers ADHD assessments using the DIVA 5.0 assessment for patients from the age of seven to seventeen, and for adults from eighteen onwards. If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, we can provide you with an assessment and an appropriate referral to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Here are some of the benefits of having an ADHD screening with Dr Kate Schilling
The DIVA 5.0 ADHD assessment is a comprehensive assessment tool used for children, adolescents, and adults. If an assessment suggests a diagnosis of ADHD, a referral to a psychiatrist is an option for definitive treatment. Another option is to be referred to a psychologist for counselling to learn strategies that make it easier to cope with and reduce symptoms.
Dr Kate Schilling offers ADHD assessments using the DIVA 5.0 assessment for patients from the age of seven to seventeen, and for adults from eighteen onwards. If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, we can provide you with an assessment and an appropriate referral to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Here are some of the benefits of having an ADHD screening with Dr Kate Schilling
- Dr Schilling is a qualified and experienced GP who is skilled in the screening of ADHD.
- She uses the DIVA 5.0 assessment, which is a comprehensive and reliable assessment tool.
- She will take the time to understand your individual needs and ensure an appropriate referral to a specialist to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
- If you are interested in having an ADHD assessment with Dr Kate Schilling, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
What to expect during an ADHD screening
The first step in the ADHD screening process is a consultation. During the consultation, Dr Schilling will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and family history and a general health assessment. Once she has gathered this information, Doctor Schilling will schedule a 45 minute appointment to conduct the DIVA 5.0 assessment. The DIVA 5.0 assessment is a semi-structured interview that assesses ADHD symptoms, as well as other factors such as academic achievement, social functioning, and family history.
After the assessment, the doctor will discuss her findings with you and discuss referral options to a psychiatrist for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment if applicable. The treatment plan may include medication, therapy, or other interventions. Please note currently in WA GP’s cannot initiate prescription medication for ADHD. Once a psychiatrist or paediatrician has initiated the prescription medication, and has authorised the GP as a co-prescriber the GP can prescribe this medication.
The following medications are often prescribed for ADHD:
Stimulants:
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that play a role in attention and focus.
Atomoxetine:
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that is also effective for treating ADHD. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain.
Guanfacine:
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant drug that is sometimes used to treat ADHD. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and reducing levels of dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD because they are very effective at improving symptoms. However, they can also cause side effects, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics.
Atomoxetine and guanfacine are less likely to cause side effects than stimulants, but they may not be as effective for some people.
The best drug for ADHD will vary depending on the individual. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, age, and other medical conditions when choosing a medication for you.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have mild symptoms that do not interfere with their daily life, while others may have severe symptoms that make it difficult to function at work, school, or home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) recognises three severity levels of ADHD: mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild ADHD:
People with mild ADHD may have some difficulty paying attention or controlling their impulses, but these symptoms do not cause significant problems in their daily life.
Moderate ADHD:
People with moderate ADHD have more difficulty paying attention and controlling their impulses, and these symptoms do cause some problems in their daily life.
Severe ADHD:
People with severe ADHD have significant difficulty paying attention and controlling their impulses, and these symptoms cause major problems in their daily life.
It is important to note that the severity of ADHD can change over time. For example, a child with mild ADHD may experience more severe symptoms as they become a teenager or adult.
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional for a diagnosis. They can assess your symptoms and determine the severity of your ADHD. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Treatment for ADHD may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Medication can help to improve symptoms of attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.
If you have ADHD, it is important to remember that you are not alone. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. There are effective treatments available, and with the right support, you can live a full and productive life.
After the assessment, the doctor will discuss her findings with you and discuss referral options to a psychiatrist for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment if applicable. The treatment plan may include medication, therapy, or other interventions. Please note currently in WA GP’s cannot initiate prescription medication for ADHD. Once a psychiatrist or paediatrician has initiated the prescription medication, and has authorised the GP as a co-prescriber the GP can prescribe this medication.
The following medications are often prescribed for ADHD:
Stimulants:
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that play a role in attention and focus.
Atomoxetine:
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that is also effective for treating ADHD. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain.
Guanfacine:
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant drug that is sometimes used to treat ADHD. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and reducing levels of dopamine in the brain.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD because they are very effective at improving symptoms. However, they can also cause side effects, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics.
Atomoxetine and guanfacine are less likely to cause side effects than stimulants, but they may not be as effective for some people.
The best drug for ADHD will vary depending on the individual. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, age, and other medical conditions when choosing a medication for you.
The severity of ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have mild symptoms that do not interfere with their daily life, while others may have severe symptoms that make it difficult to function at work, school, or home.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) recognises three severity levels of ADHD: mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild ADHD:
People with mild ADHD may have some difficulty paying attention or controlling their impulses, but these symptoms do not cause significant problems in their daily life.
Moderate ADHD:
People with moderate ADHD have more difficulty paying attention and controlling their impulses, and these symptoms do cause some problems in their daily life.
Severe ADHD:
People with severe ADHD have significant difficulty paying attention and controlling their impulses, and these symptoms cause major problems in their daily life.
It is important to note that the severity of ADHD can change over time. For example, a child with mild ADHD may experience more severe symptoms as they become a teenager or adult.
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional for a diagnosis. They can assess your symptoms and determine the severity of your ADHD. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Treatment for ADHD may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Medication can help to improve symptoms of attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Therapy can help people with ADHD develop coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.
If you have ADHD, it is important to remember that you are not alone. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. There are effective treatments available, and with the right support, you can live a full and productive life.
Here are some tips for managing ADHD and other ailments:
Take your medication as prescribed.
If you are taking medication for ADHD, it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor. This will help to ensure that you are getting the full benefit of the medication.
Get regular exercise.
Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress. It can also help to improve your attention and focus.
Get enough sleep.
When you are well-rested, you are better able to manage your ADHD symptoms. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall mood and energy levels. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, and focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Seek professional help.
If you are struggling to manage your ADHD or other ailments, seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. They can help you to develop coping skills and strategies to manage your symptoms.
It is also important to remember that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world have ADHD and other ailments. There are effective treatments available, and with the right support, you can live a full and productive life.
Why is it important to get an ADHD screening?Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can help to improve a student’s academic performance, social functioning, and overall quality of life.
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, please contact us to schedule an appointment for an ADHD preliminary appointment first.
Costs
ADHD Preliminary Appointment = $125.00 – Medicare rebate $42.85 (15 minute appointment)
ADHD Screening = $300.00 – Medicare rebate $122.15 (separate appointment on another day takes at least 45 minutes)
If you are taking medication for ADHD, it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor. This will help to ensure that you are getting the full benefit of the medication.
Get regular exercise.
Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress. It can also help to improve your attention and focus.
Get enough sleep.
When you are well-rested, you are better able to manage your ADHD symptoms. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall mood and energy levels. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, and focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Seek professional help.
If you are struggling to manage your ADHD or other ailments, seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. They can help you to develop coping skills and strategies to manage your symptoms.
It is also important to remember that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world have ADHD and other ailments. There are effective treatments available, and with the right support, you can live a full and productive life.
Why is it important to get an ADHD screening?Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can help to improve a student’s academic performance, social functioning, and overall quality of life.
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, please contact us to schedule an appointment for an ADHD preliminary appointment first.
Costs
ADHD Preliminary Appointment = $125.00 – Medicare rebate $42.85 (15 minute appointment)
ADHD Screening = $300.00 – Medicare rebate $122.15 (separate appointment on another day takes at least 45 minutes)
Book An Appointment
With our diverse team of skilled medical professionals, we are pleased to offer a wide range of services to our patients.
Book an appointment online using the link below.
Book an appointment online using the link below.
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