What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. It is not a character flaw, a sign of low intelligence, or the result of poor parenting. ADHD reflects genuine differences in how the brain regulates attention, motivation, and impulse control — driven primarily by differences in dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems.
The Three Presentations
1. Predominantly Inattentive
The most commonly missed presentation — especially in women and adults. Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, losing things, easy distraction, and forgetting daily activities.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
More visible and more commonly recognised. Fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, talking excessively, interrupting, acting without thinking through consequences.
3. Combined Presentation
The most common in adults — meeting criteria for both. In adults, hyperactivity often internalises as racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, and a constant sense of urgency.
"ADHD is not a lack of attention. It is an inability to regulate attention — to choose where it goes, and to sustain it where it needs to be."
What ADHD Looks Like in Adults
- Chronic underachievement — performing below what ability and effort should produce
- Inconsistent performance — excellent work when engaged, near-inability to start when not
- Emotional dysregulation — quick to frustration, difficulty calming, rejection sensitivity
- Chronic time blindness — always late, always behind, despite genuine effort
- Sleep difficulties — difficulty winding down, hyperfocus at night
What a Formal Assessment Involves
At Enable Workplace Consulting in Melbourne CBD, a comprehensive assessment includes: extended clinical interview, standardised rating scales (CAARS, DIVA-5), cognitive and neuropsychological testing, differential diagnosis, and a written report suitable for Medicare, NDIS, university support, and workplace accommodations.
Treatment Options
Effective treatment is multimodal. Dr. Goyal provides CBT adapted for ADHD, ADHD coaching, emotion regulation therapy, and individual therapy for co-occurring anxiety and depression. Medication is prescribed by a psychiatrist or GP with ADHD expertise.
Ready to get assessed?
Dr. Sneha Goyal provides comprehensive ADHD assessments at Enable Workplace Consulting, Level 2, 156 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Medicare rebates available with a GP referral.
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