Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a developmental condition that affects attention, organisation, self-regulation, and impulse control. It often begins in childhood, but many people are only properly recognised or supported much later in life.1
At Mind Health, we support adolescents, adults, and families who are living with ADHD or ADHD-like difficulties. Treatment focuses on understanding how the symptoms are affecting day-to-day life and building practical strategies for work, study, emotional regulation, routines, and relationships.
Important: ADHD is not laziness, lack of intelligence, or a character flaw. Many people with ADHD have spent years blaming themselves for patterns that make much more sense once they are properly understood.
Signs & Symptoms
ADHD can present in inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined ways. Common signs include:1
- difficulty sustaining attention, especially on repetitive or low-interest tasks
- disorganisation, losing things, forgetting appointments, or trouble following through
- procrastination and difficulty starting tasks that feel effortful
- restlessness, fidgeting, or feeling mentally “always on”
- impulsive decisions, blurting things out, or interrupting
- time blindness, chronic lateness, or underestimating how long tasks take
- emotional dysregulation, frustration, or shame linked to repeated setbacks
- difficulties at school, work, home, or in relationships because of inconsistency or overwhelm
Causes
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. The exact cause is not always clear, but research indicates a strong genetic component and differences in brain development and executive functioning.1
- family history of ADHD or related neurodevelopmental conditions
- differences in attention regulation, impulse control, and working memory
- environmental factors that may contribute to risk in some cases
- sleep problems, anxiety, trauma, or burnout that can worsen the day-to-day impact of symptoms
Good assessment matters because other issues such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, trauma, or learning difficulties can overlap with ADHD and need to be considered carefully.
Our Approach to ADHD Treatment
At Mind Health, ADHD treatment focuses on reducing impairment and building systems that actually work for the way your brain functions. We look at attention, organisation, routines, motivation, emotional regulation, and self-criticism as part of one picture.
Assessment-Informed Support
If ADHD is suspected, the first step may be clarifying what symptoms are present, how long they have been there, and how they affect different parts of life. Where formal diagnostic assessment or medication review is needed, we can support that process and coordinate with your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help with procrastination, planning, follow-through, perfectionism, avoidance, and the negative self-talk that often develops after years of feeling “behind” or inconsistent.
Executive Function and Habit Strategies
Treatment may include externalising memory, task breakdown, routine design, time-management supports, environmental changes, and strategies for study, work, or parenting demands.
Emotional and Family Support
Where relevant, treatment can also include support for emotional regulation, burnout, anxiety, shame, relationship strain, and parent or partner education.
Tips on Managing ADHD
- Externalise what you need to remember. Calendars, visual reminders, alarms, and checklists reduce the load on working memory.
- Lower task friction. Make important routines easier to start by removing unnecessary steps and setting up your environment in advance.
- Break tasks down. Smaller steps reduce avoidance and make it easier to begin.
- Work with your brain. Timers, body-doubling, movement breaks, and structured focus periods can help more than relying on willpower.
- Challenge the shame story. ADHD often leads to harsh self-judgment. Support is more useful when it builds understanding, not blame.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will usually focus on the symptoms you are noticing, how long they have been present, and how they are affecting school, work, home life, or relationships. We also consider overlap with anxiety, sleep problems, trauma, or mood difficulties.
If a formal diagnosis pathway is needed, we can help clarify the next step. In many cases that involves your GP and, depending on age and circumstances, a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or psychologist with appropriate assessment experience.
Sessions are typically 50 to 60 minutes. Treatment is practical and collaborative rather than just insight-based. Telehealth may also be an option if in-person appointments are difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults have ADHD even if they were never diagnosed as children?
Yes. Many adults are only recognised later, especially if they were bright, masked their difficulties, or were previously mislabelled as disorganised, anxious, or lazy.
Does therapy help if medication is also being considered?
Yes. Therapy can help with planning, routines, emotional regulation, self-criticism, and day-to-day function whether or not medication is part of the broader treatment plan.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
Assessment pathways vary. Psychologists can often assess symptoms in detail and provide treatment, but formal diagnosis or medication prescribing may also involve a psychiatrist or paediatrician depending on the situation.
What if I am not sure whether it is ADHD, anxiety, or burnout?
That uncertainty is common. A good assessment looks at overlap rather than assuming one explanation too quickly.
Do I need a referral to get help for ADHD-related difficulties?
You do not need a referral to book privately. If you want to access Medicare rebates, you will usually need a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from an eligible doctor.
Further Reading
Get Started
If you or someone you care about is struggling with ADHD, our experienced psychologists at Mind Health in Parramatta and Sydney are here to help.
1300 084 200Book AppointmentMake a Referral
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). aihw.gov.au
- Healthdirect Australia (2023). ADHD. healthdirect.gov.au