At ZenWaves we offer ADHD testing for individuals aged 12 years or older.
ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It is estimated that around 8% of children and 2.5% of adults in Australia may have ADHD.
We are all more aware of ADHD now than we were 10 or 20 years ago. In earlier years, symptoms of ADHD were often dismissed as a child being disruptive or inattentive, and there was no formal diagnosis. We are seeing more and more adults being diagnosed. Women, who generally have better social skills and are able to mask symptoms better, are especially underdiagnosed.
An additional issue is that ADHD often co-occurs with other mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. In some cases these disorders were diagnosed and the ADHD was not diagnosed. It is no surprise that in these cases treatment is often less effective.
If you have a strong family history of ADHD or suspect that you might have ADHD, you might consider comprehensive ADHD evaluation at ZenWaves.
At ZenWaves, our experienced psychiatrists follow a three-step evaluation. A detailed clinical interview is followed by a computerised test of attention to give us objective evidence of your attention, and a brain map which helps us predict response to medications and the possibility of side effects. Following the assessment, we provide a range of treatment options, both medication and non-medication.
There is solid evidence from medical research that neurofeedback is an effective treatment for ADHD. It can assist with reducing and managing symptoms even when medications are not effective, or cause side effects.
Please note that children’s brains are still developing, and are very different from adult brains. We limit our ADHD testing to adults and children aged 12 or older, where we have the experience to diagnose accurately.
Do you experience any of the following?
Trouble paying attention
you find it hard to stay focused on tasks at school, work, or home
you’re easily distracted by noises, thoughts, or things happening around you
Difficulty with organisation
you often lose important items like keys, phones, or papers
you have problems with time management, meeting deadlines, or keeping things in order
Impulsivity
You often speak out of turn or interrupt others
You make decisions quickly without considering all the implications
Restlessness
You can’t sit still, but are always moving or fidgeting
You can’t relax properly, but always feel ‘on the go’
Struggling to manage your emotions
You have mood swings, and get frustrated or upset easily
You react to stress and can’t stay calm
Relationship Issues
Family and friends always complain that you don’t listen, or that you forget things
Challenges with work or study
You’re smart and creative, but you don’t perform well
You have trouble completing the boring and repetitive parts of your role
Family history
Others have been diagnosed with ADHD
All of these are good reasons to consider ADHD testing.
Undiagnosed ADHD might be a contributing cause. You could be dealing with ADHD without coping strategies, support or understanding – and that stress doesn’t help your other condition.