Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Understanding Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects executive functioning—our brain’s ability to plan, prioritise, organise, and follow through on tasks over time. Rather than being a deficit of attention, ADHD is better understood as a dysregulation of attention. This means individuals with ADHD may struggle to maintain focus on tasks that are repetitive, uninteresting, or lack personal relevance, while often becoming deeply absorbed—or “hyperfocused”—on tasks that are novel, urgent, or highly engaging.

Many adults with ADHD have learned to mask outward signs of hyperactivity, such as fidgeting or restlessness, and instead experience internal hyperactivity, like racing thoughts or a constantly “busy brain.” This presentation was previously referred to as ADD or the primarily inattentive type of ADHD.

Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with or be mistaken for other conditions like anxiety or depression, it is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed, especially in adults who have developed coping strategies over time.

Common Signs of ADHD in Adults

  • Restlessness or internal anxiety

  • Heightened sensitivity to rejection

  • Emotional intensity or difficulty regulating emotions

  • Impulsivity or acting without thinking

  • Challenges with focus and sustained attention

  • Time blindness and disorganisation

  • Frequent forgetfulness

  • Misplacing or losing items regularly

  • Difficulties in personal or professional relationships

  • Risk of substance use as a coping mechanism

Despite these challenges, many individuals with ADHD demonstrate creativity, passion, and the ability to thrive in areas that align with their strengths and interests.

ADHD Assessments and Treatment at ANIMA Health Network

At ANIMA Health Network, our Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists provide comprehensive assessments and treatment for adults with ADHD. Our approach is strengths-based, respectful, and tailored to each individual’s unique experience.

If you have questions about the assessment process or would like to learn more about how we can support you, please don’t hesitate to contact our Patient Care Team for further information and fee details.

Back

Quick Links

What is ADHD anyway?

How to Recognise ADHD in Girls

Our Director, Dr Ozgur (Oz) Yalcin, discusses adult ADHD from a clinical and lived experience perspective

ADHD sucks, but not really | Salif Mahamane

More Resources

  • Your Brain’s Not Broken by Tamara Rosier

    • Explores how ADHD is a neurological difference, not a flaw, and offers compassionate strategies for emotional regulation and executive functioning.

    • Link

    Atomic Habits by James Clear

    • A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, consistent changes—especially helpful for ADHD brains seeking structure.

    • Official Site

    The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley

    • A personal and humorous journey through late ADHD diagnosis, blending lived experience with science and practical advice.

    • Link:

    How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe

    • A forthcoming guide rooted in the popular YouTube channel, offering ADHD-friendly tools, validation, and community support.

    • Official Book Site

    You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! by Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo

    • A classic ADHD survival guide that validates adult experiences and provides practical strategies for managing symptoms.

    • Link

    ADHD Money by Katie C. Lewis

    • A neurodivergent-friendly guide to managing money, designed to work with ADHD brains rather than against them.

    • Wiley

    ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey

    • An updated look at ADHD science and strategies, emphasising strengths-based approaches and brain-friendly tools.

    • Link

    The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov

    • Explores how ADHD affects romantic relationships and provides tools for enhancing communication, empathy, and connection.

    • Link

    What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Dr. Sharon Saline

    • Gives parents insight into their child’s perspective and offers collaborative strategies for support and understanding.

    • Amazon Official Site

    Smart but Scattered Teens by Richard Guare, Peg Dawson, & Colin Guare

    • Focuses on building executive function skills in teens through practical, step-by-step strategies.

    • Link

    Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids by Kelli Miller

    • An engaging workbook filled with exercises and activities to help children understand and manage their ADHD.

    • Link

    Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD by Susan C. Pinsky

    • Offers clutter-free, ADHD-friendly organising systems that prioritise simplicity and sustainability.

    • Link

    Order from Chaos by Jaclyn Paul

    • A realistic and compassionate guide to creating order in daily life, tailored specifically for adults with ADHD.

    • Link

    A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden & Michelle Frank

    • Empowers women with ADHD to embrace their identity, challenge internalised shame, and build a fulfilling life.

    • Link

    Disclaimer: These book recommendations are based on the experiences and suggestions of our team and community members. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the authors or publishers mentioned.

  • ADDitude:

    • Articles, videos, lectures, and other resources for children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and their loved ones

    • Link

    How to ADHD Channel (YouTube):

    • How to ADHD is a vibrant and supportive YouTube channel that offers practical tips, science-based strategies, and heartfelt encouragement for living well with ADHD.

    • Link


    Disclaimer: These recommendations are based on the experiences and suggestions of our team and community members. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the authors or publishers mentioned.

  • A qualitative and quantitative study of self-reported positive characteristics of individuals with ADHD

    • Schippers, L. M., Horstman, L. I., Velde, H. V., Pereira, R. R., Zinkstok, J., Mostert, J. C., Greven, C. U., & Hoogman, M. (2022).

    • Link

What we do

Therapy:

  • Schema Therapy was designed to empower individuals to overcome unhelpful emotional and behavioural patterns that can interfere with relationships, career prospects and life satisfaction. Schema Therapy aims to help uncover "Early Maladaptive Schemas" (EMS), which are subconscious and enduring emotional and cognitive patterns that develop in response to challenging childhood experiences. At ANIMA Health Network, all our clinical psychologists are trained in Schema Therapy. We aim to help you address the root causes of emotional and psychological distress and empower you to create lasting meaningful change. Find out more about Schema Therapy.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic approach developed to help individuals process and alleviate the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories. The aim is to facilitate the reprocessing of these memories, reducing their emotional impact and fostering adaptive resolution. EMDR is particularly effective in treating trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by targeting specific memories contributing to emotional distress. All of our Clinical Psychologists/Registrars are fully EMDR trained or in the process of becoming so. Find out more about EMDR.

  • Our Clinical Psychologists all have training in Imagery Rescripting, which is a therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate emotional distress caused by upsetting mental images or memories. When individuals have distressing memories, the traditional response might be to replay them as they originally occurred, reinforcing negative emotions. In imagery rescripting, however, the person collaborates with a therapist to transform these troubling mental images. It's akin to jointly editing the script of a mental movie to introduce a more positive and constructive narrative.

    During therapy, individuals actively engage in modifying the imagery associated with a distressing memory. By reshaping the mental representation of the event, the aim is to create a new, less distressing ending or perspective. This process enables individuals to reinterpret the meaning of the memory, fostering a sense of empowerment and control over their emotional responses.

  • At ANIMA Health Network, we understand the unique challenges that individuals with ADHD face. Our team is dedicated to creating a nurturing and empowering environment where you can access the resources and guidance to understand and manage your ADHD effectively. This program is designed for current patients aged 18 years and over.

    The program will run in person on Friday afternoons for 6 weeks at ANIMA Health Network, 170 Cambridge Street, West Leederville.

    Find Out More

  • ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that, if left undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, can have substantial negative impacts in adulthood. In adults, ADHD can manifest in several ways, including difficulty with focus, impulsive actions leading to regrettable decisions, procrastination, organisation and time management challenges, constant inner restlessness, and difficulties regulating emotions, which can significantly affect work and relationships. At ANIMA, our team have expertise lies in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. Find out more about adult ADHD

  • Depression is a mental health condition that goes beyond just feeling sad or down. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in once enjoyable activities. People with depression may experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, have difficulty concentrating, and often feel fatigued. It's like being stuck in a heavy fog of sadness that affects daily life. Fortunately the symptoms of depression can often be alleviated. Treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both to help lift the cloud of depression, improve your mood, and restore a sense of autonomy.

  • Anxiety is a common emotional experience where a person feels worried, nervous, or uneasy about something. It's like having a sense of fear or unease, often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart, sweating, or a tense feeling. While a bit of anxiety is normal, excessive or constant worry that interferes with daily life might be an anxiety disorder. It's like your mind is stuck on the "what-ifs" and can make simple tasks feel overwhelming. Let us help you acquire the tools you need to help manage your anxiety so that you can once again meaningfully reengage in the world.

  • In OCD, individuals often grapple with persistent, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions. These thoughts often provoke significant anxiety or distress. In response to these distressing thoughts, individuals may feel compelled to perform certain actions or mental rituals, known as compulsions, to alleviate the anxiety or prevent a feared event or outcome. The repetitive nature of these behaviours is driven by a need to establish a sense of control or reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. OCD can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, and treatment often involves a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication. Contact our friendly admin team who can help find the most appropriate clinician to help support you on your journey.

Assessments:

  • At ANIMA, we conduct comprehensive assessments for Children (6 yrs +), adolescents, and adults. Our assessments are conducted by our Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists who have expertise in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions and brain-related disorders. Our assessments are accompanied by a comprehensive report with recommendations tailored to you or your child.

    We assess for:

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

    • Specific Learning Disorders (SLD's) including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia

    • Education Difficulties

    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Intellectual Disability

    Find out more

  • At ANIMA, we conduct Neuropsychological and Mental Health Assessments for Adults. Our assessments are conducted by our Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists and Registrars, who have expertise in diagnosing and treating psychological and brain-related disorders. Our assessments are accompanied by a feedback session and comprehensive report with recommendations tailored specifically to you and your presenting difficulties.

    Conditions we assess for are:

    Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Important: Whilst we will be able to provide you with a comprehensive picture of your current difficulties, we do not prescribe medication. If you need medication as part of your treatment, such as stimulant medication, you will need a prescription from your Pediatrician or Psychiatrist who is managing your care.

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (From age 16)**

    For ASD assessments, please click here

    Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

    Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

    Neurodegenerative Disorders (Dementias)

    Find out more here.

  • Our assessment service is centered on your/your child's needs and preferences, fostering a collaborative journey where your comfort and participation are prioritised. Our patient-centered approach values clear communication, understanding you/your child's strengths and challenges through meaningful conversations rather than a mere checklist. Find out more about Autism here and contact our friendly Patient Care Team to find out more about the assessment process and how we can help you.

  • At ANIMA Health Network we offer one-off Diagnostic Mental Health Assessments to evaluate the nature, severity, and functional impairment for a range of psychological difficulties. You will also be provided with a complemented by a detailed report and recommendations outlining the assessment findings. Find out more.

Ready to Book with Anima Health Network?

Please call us on 08 9381 8868 to book an appointment.

Alternatively, click below to fill out our new patient enquiry form and one of our friendly patient care team will be in touch.