Adult ADHD often goes unrecognised for years, sometimes mistaken for anxiety, low mood, or simply being disorganised. If focus, procrastination, or restlessness have been a lifelong pattern rather than a passing phase, an ADHD assessment can be the first step towards understanding what's actually going on, and what support looks like from there.
In short: an ADHD assessment at Hirondelle Private Hospital involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including your developmental history, current symptoms and standardised rating scales, to reach a clear diagnosis. From there, your psychiatrist may refer you to our Managing ADHD day program that offers a 10-week structured group to build practical strategies for daily life. A referral to one of our psychiatrists for an outpatient appointment and ADHD assessment is the place to start.
An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, not a quick questionnaire. Your psychiatrist will typically look at your developmental history (including how symptoms showed up in childhood, even if you weren't diagnosed then), how symptoms affect you currently across work, study, relationships and daily life, and use standardised rating scales alongside a clinical interview. Part of the assessment also involves ruling out or identifying overlapping conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can look similar to ADHD or occur alongside it. Your assessment may involve 1-2 hour long appointments to ensure a comprehensive assessment and individual plan is developed.
For patients prescribed medication for management of ADHD regular appointments will be scheduled with your treating psychiatrist to evaluate the effectiveness, dose and type of medication if prescribed as well as psychoeducation regarding management of ADHD for daily life. For some patients referral to an ADHD coach or our ADHD program may be required to support with the development of skills and management strategies to support function while living with ADHD.
Once ADHD is diagnosed, our Managing ADHD day program offers structured, ongoing support beyond the initial assessment. It's a 10-week evening group program, running Mondays from 5:15pm to 9:15pm, covering the neuroscience behind ADHD, emotional regulation, goal setting, procrastination, mindfulness and self-acceptance. The focus is practical: building strategies you can actually use day to day, alongside a better understanding of how ADHD affects you personally.
| Option | What it involves | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD assessment | Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, developmental history and rating scales | Anyone seeking a clear diagnosis, whether newly suspected or previously missed |
| Managing ADHD day program | Weekly evening group, 10 weeks, covering ADHD neuroscience and practical strategies | People with a confirmed diagnosis who want structured, ongoing support |
| Ongoing psychiatric review | Regular follow-up appointments with your treating psychiatrist | Monitoring symptoms, medication (if prescribed) and progress over time |
ADHD assessment and support is delivered by our psychiatrist-led team, so diagnosis, any medication decisions, and the Managing ADHD program are all part of one coordinated plan in the outpatient setting as directed by your treating psychiatrist.
A referral to one of our hospital psychiatrists is required to begin. Our Private Practice Team can talk you through the referral process and any health fund requirements or out-of-pocket costs, on +61 2 9411 1466 or hdl.reception@imh.com.au. For questions specifically about the Managing ADHD day program, our day program team is reachable on hdl.dayprogram@imh.com.au.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or 000 in an emergency.
What does an ADHD assessment involve?
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation covering your developmental history, current symptoms, and standardised rating scales, alongside a clinical interview with your psychiatrist.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed later in life, often after symptoms were previously mistaken for anxiety, depression, or simply being disorganised.
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
Yes, a GP referral to one of our hospital psychiatrists is required.
What is the Managing ADHD program?
It's a 10-week evening group program for people with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis, covering ADHD neuroscience, emotional regulation, and practical day-to-day strategies.
Is the Managing ADHD program only for people diagnosed at Hirondelle?
A referral and assessment with one of our psychiatrists is required to join, regardless of where you were originally diagnosed.
If focus, organisation, or follow-through have been a lifelong struggle rather than a passing phase, an ADHD assessment can help explain why, and what to do about it. Hirondelle Private Hospital offers a full assessment pathway and structured ongoing support through our Managing ADHD program. Talk to your GP about a referral, or contact our Admissions Team to find out more.
