WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages, from children to adults. While it's often associated with challenges in attention and hyperactivity, ADHD is a multifaceted condition that extends beyond these surface-level traits.

The Three Core Symptoms:

1. Inattention: Individuals may struggle with maintaining focus on tasks, frequently becoming easily distracted or forgetful. They might find it challenging to organize activities, manage time effectively, and sustain attention to details.

1. Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity is often observed as restlessness, fidgeting, or an inability to remain still. While hyperactivity is more evident in children, it can also be present in adults, albeit in a more subdued manner.

2. Impulsivity: Impulsivity can lead to hasty decision-making and difficulties in considering the consequences of actions. This trait might result in interrupting conversations, impulsive purchases, or taking unnecessary risks.

Beyond these core symptoms, ADHD can affect executive functions, which encompass a range of cognitive processes that allow us to plan, organize, focus, remember details, and manage time. Difficulties in executive functioning can lead to challenges in daily activities, academic performance, work-related tasks, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Living with ADHD can present a myriad of challenges. From struggling to complete assignments on time to experiencing social difficulties due to impulsivity, individuals with ADHD may find themselves facing barriers that others might not fully comprehend. This can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety.

Accurate diagnosis of ADHD involves a comprehensive assessment that considers medical history, behavioral observations, and, in some cases, psychological testing. Once diagnosed, a tailored treatment plan can be developed. This plan might include behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, and in some cases, medication.

Pathway for ADHD Diagnosis

Step 1: Initial screening

• The client or their parent/guardian contacts the TPG Admin team via the web enquiry form expressing concerns about possible ADHD or requesting an assessment.

• Client/parent receives ADHD assessment pathway information along with a full cost of our service via  hello@tpgroup.co.nz

• Client/parent also receives a consent form for this service.

• The admin team schedules an initial appointment and provides the client/parent/guardian with a list of comprehensive intake forms.

Note: To ensure fidelity of the measures – the intake forms/measures are sent directly to the intended recipient's email. E.g., Teacher receives the email directly from TPG.

STEP 2: Intake

The client/parent/guardian completes the intake form, providing information about the client's medical history, developmental milestones, behavioural concerns, and any previous assessments or treatments.

• Your Clinician will review the completed intake form to gain a preliminary understanding of the the symptoms and concerns.

Step 3: Consultation - 90 minutes

• The client and their parent/guardian meet with a healthcare provider (Clinical Psychologist or Registered Nurse Practitioners specialising in ADHD assessment).

• The healthcare provider gathers and further clarifies detailed information about the client’s symptoms, developmental history, family history, and current functioning.

• The healthcare provider conducts a structured clinical interview to gather more detailed information about the client’s symptoms and impairment in various settings.

• The healthcare provider may request collateral information from the patient's school, family members, or other relevant individuals.

• If the symptoms are consistent with ADHD, the healthcare provider proceeds to the next step of referral to our psychiatrist. Otherwise, alternative diagnoses or referrals may be considered.

Step 4: Referral to Psychiatrist

• The healthcare provider consults and complete the initial assessment.

• If needed, a follow-up appointment with the psychiatrist is booked in to complete the process of ADHD diagnostics and treatment planning.

Step 5: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

• Based on the comprehensive assessment findings and diagnostic criteria, the healthcare provider determines whether the client meets the criteria for ADHD diagnosis.

• The healthcare provider discusses the diagnosis with the client and their parent/guardian, providing education about ADHD and its impact on daily functioning.

• Treatment options are discussed, which may include behavioural interventions, psychoeducation, counselling, medication, or a combination of approaches.

• The healthcare provider collaborates with the client and their parent/guardian to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their preferences, goals, and available resources.

• Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor treatment progress, make adjustments if necessary, and provide ongoing support.