ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity regulation. It’s often thought of as a childhood condition, but many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life.
ADHD is increasingly understood as a difference in how a brain is wired rather than a deficit to be fixed. This page covers what ADHD looks like, what causes it, and how it’s supported.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Inattentive
- Difficulty sustaining attention, especially on tasks that aren’t inherently interesting
- Trouble organising tasks, time and belongings
- Losing or misplacing items regularly
- Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
- Difficulty following through on instructions or finishing tasks
- Forgetfulness in daily activities, and appearing not to listen when spoken to
Hyperactive-impulsive
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty staying seated
- Feeling internally driven by a motor, even without visible hyperactivity (common in adults)
- Talking excessively or interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting turns
- Acting without fully thinking through consequences
- Impulsive decisions, whether financial, social or otherwise
In adults, ADHD often looks different from stereotypical childhood hyperactivity: chronic disorganisation, time-management difficulties, emotional dysregulation, procrastination and unfinished projects. Many adults have developed strategies that mask the underlying condition.
What causes ADHD?
Genetics
ADHD has a strong genetic component and frequently runs in families.
Neurological factors
Differences in brain structure and function in areas related to attention regulation and executive function.
Prenatal & early development
Certain prenatal exposures or complications can contribute to risk. ADHD is not caused by parenting style, diet or screen time alone.
Environmental interaction
Environment doesn’t cause ADHD, but environmental demands and support can affect how much symptoms interfere with daily life.
How is ADHD treated?
Psychological therapy
CBT adapted for ADHD can help with executive function strategies, emotional regulation and patterns like procrastination.
Coaching & practical strategies
Building systems for organisation and time management that work with an ADHD brain rather than against it.
Medication
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are a common and often effective part of treatment, prescribed by GPs or psychiatrists, not psychologists.
Psychoeducation
Understanding how ADHD affects you can be useful in itself, reducing shame and reframing long-standing struggles.
When should I see a psychologist about ADHD?
Consider reaching out if you’re experiencing:
For a formal diagnosis, a comprehensive assessment is generally required.
- Long-standing difficulty with attention, organisation or follow-through, dating back to childhood
- Symptoms affecting work, study, relationships or daily functioning
- A pattern of starting things without finishing them
- Emotional overwhelm or exhaustion tied to not being able to keep up
A GP can set you up with a Mental Health Care Plan under Medicare’s Better Access scheme, which covers a rebate for a set number of psychology sessions each year.
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Get matched with a psychologistFrequently asked questions
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time?
Yes. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that starts in childhood, but many people aren’t recognised or diagnosed until adulthood.
Is ADHD just a lack of discipline?
No. ADHD involves real differences in brain function related to attention regulation, impulse control and executive function.
Do I need a diagnosis to get support for ADHD symptoms?
Not necessarily. A psychologist can help with ADHD-related challenges without a formal diagnosis, though diagnosis helps with access to medication and accommodations.
What’s the difference between an ADHD assessment and ongoing psychological support?
An assessment is a structured evaluation for diagnosis. Ongoing support is therapy or coaching work, which can follow an assessment.
Can psychologists prescribe ADHD medication?
No. Psychologists provide therapy, assessment and strategy-based support but can’t prescribe medication.
Is online therapy effective for ADHD?
Telehealth sessions can be effective and convenient for many people with ADHD, though some prefer in-person sessions.
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