Here are the key things you need to know:
1) We are not a dedicated ADHD Specialist Clinic and do not provide ADHD Assessments by external referral/request. Every patient attending a new patient appointment will undergo a comprehensive psychiatric assessment that will involve a full history and, where necessary, a range of screeners and questionnaires depending on your presenting concerns.
2) If your Psychiatrist determines during that initial consultation that there is a likelihood of ADHD, an appointment for an ADHD Assessment will then be arranged. The ADHD Assessment will involve completion of extensive screening questionnaires and a further appointment. Any additional information you can provide – psychological assessments, corroborative statements from teachers/employers/managers/family members regarding your symptoms, school reports, etc – will assist with diagnosis.
3) An ADHD diagnosis by a psychologist does not, in and of itself, guarantee the same by a Psychiatrist. If your Psychiatrist does not believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, you will not be diagnosed with ADHD. Your treatment/management plan will be adapted according to your personal and unique difficulties.
4) Our Psychiatrists take the prescribing of stimulant medication very seriously. In most cases, they will perform their own assessment for the diagnosis of ADHD and make their own determination regarding medication. Please do not attend your initial appointment expecting a prescription, even if you have previously been prescribed stimulant medication by another Psychiatrist.
5) If our Psychiatrists consider the prescription of stimulant medication to be appropriate, ECG, urine analysis, and a blood test will be required prior to the medication being prescribed. Also, as an S8 “controlled” drug, further prescriptions will not be available without an appointment.
6) Abuse toward any staff members will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
If you have questions about any of the above, please speak to a member of our administration team.
Wollongong Psychological Medicine 