ADHD Service Information
ADHD assessments are comprehensive and may involve multiple appointments. Not all patients assessed will receive a diagnosis of ADHD, and treatment recommendations will depend on the outcomes of the assessment.
Please read this information before booking into the Pioneer Health ADHD Service.
ADHD Assessment and Management
Pioneer Health provides comprehensive ADHD assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management for children, adolescents and adults.
Our ADHD service is led by Dr David Tadj, who has completed additional ADHD training approved under the Western Australian ADHD Shared Care Program.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, concentration, impulse control and activity levels.
ADHD can present in different ways. Some people primarily experience difficulties with attention and focus, while others experience impulsivity, hyperactivity, or a combination of both.
ADHD affects both children and adults and often occurs alongside other conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, sleep disorders and learning difficulties.
Our Assessment Process
ADHD is diagnosed through a thorough assessment process. A diagnosis cannot be made through a single questionnaire or appointment.
Our assessment may include:
- Review of previous assessments and referral information
- ADHD questionnaires completed by the patient and, where appropriate, parents, carers and teachers
- Clinical interviews
- Physical examination
- ECG and blood tests where required
- Urine drug screening for some patients
- Comprehensive review by Dr David Tadj
The assessment process is designed to gain a holistic understanding of each patient and identify any other factors that may be contributing to symptoms.
Patients Seeking a New ADHD Assessment
Patients seeking a new ADHD assessment can contact our team to discuss eligibility and the assessment process.
The length and complexity of the assessment will vary depending on the patient’s age, medical history and individual circumstances.
Patients with an Existing ADHD Diagnosis
Treatment
ADHD treatment is most effective when it combines both medication and non-medication approaches.
Treatment may include:
- Education about ADHD
- Lifestyle and behavioural strategies
- Parent and family support
- Cognitive and psychological interventions
- ADHD coaching
- Medication where appropriate
Medication is not suitable for every patient and treatment recommendations are always tailored to individual needs.
Specialist Referral
Some patients may require ongoing management by a paediatrician or psychiatrist due to the complexity of their condition or current Western Australian prescribing requirements.
Children under 10 years of age require specialist involvement and may be co-managed with Pioneer Health.
Ongoing Care
ADHD is a long-term condition that benefits from regular review and monitoring.
Patients receiving ADHD treatment through Pioneer Health will be offered ongoing follow-up appointments to monitor symptoms, treatment effectiveness and overall wellbeing.
Fees
ADHD assessments and management appointments are privately billed.
Out-of-pocket costs apply and vary depending on the complexity of the assessment and number of appointments required.
For further information regarding fees, please contact our reception team.
AADPA Consumer Companion Guide
ADHD Stimulant Medication: Patient Guide
Parent/family training
ADHD coaching
Stimulant medication consumer information
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pioneer Health provides ADHD assessment and management for both adults and children.
The assessment process is comprehensive and may involve questionnaires, interviews, review of medical history and additional investigations where required.
Yes. Children and adolescents can be assessed through our ADHD service.
Please note that children under 10 years of age require involvement from a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist and may be co-managed with Pioneer Health in accordance with current Western Australian regulations.
Not necessarily.
Treatment recommendations are based on your individual circumstances and may include education, lifestyle strategies, psychological interventions, ADHD coaching, medication, or a combination of these approaches.
For patients where medication is appropriate, stimulant medication is generally considered first-line treatment. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for stimulant medications.
The assessment process varies from person to person.
ADHD assessments are comprehensive and often involve multiple appointments, questionnaires and investigations. This allows our team to assess not only ADHD symptoms but also any other medical, developmental or mental health factors that may be affecting your wellbeing.
Not always.
The purpose of the assessment is to determine the cause of your symptoms and identify the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Some patients will meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, while others may have different conditions or factors contributing to their symptoms.
Many people seeking ADHD assessment have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, sleep disorders or learning difficulties.
These conditions form an important part of the assessment process and may influence treatment recommendations. In some cases, the condition causing the greatest impact on day-to-day functioning may be prioritised for treatment.
Some patients may require additional investigations as part of their assessment.
Depending on your age, medical history and individual circumstances, this may include a physical examination, blood tests, an ECG, or a urine drug screen.
No.
ADHD assessments and management appointments are privately billed and out-of-pocket costs apply.
Please contact our reception team for current fee information.
A referral is recommended, particularly if you have previously been assessed or treated for ADHD.
Any previous specialist reports, assessments or correspondence can help streamline the assessment process and reduce unnecessary duplication.