ADHD Assessment and Treatment in Bondi: A Complete Guide for Children and Adults
According to the Australian Psychological Society, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnoses have surged within the last decade. With this increase being largely driven by adults diagnoses. In Australia, the percentage of adults taking ADHD medication has risen more than six-fold since 2017. And Global data trends show up to a 450% jump in adult diagnoses, with women seeking help in record numbers.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting both children and adults. Although awareness of ADHD has increased significantly over recent years, many Australians continue to face delays in diagnosis, long waiting lists to see psychiatrists, and uncertainty about ongoing treatment.
At Ocean Medical Practice Bondi, we understand how frustrating this journey can be. Our experienced Bondi GPs work collaboratively with psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals to assist patients living throughout Bondi, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Bondi Junction, Tamarama, Bronte, Bellevue Hill and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs access ADHD care.
Whether you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, have recently received a diagnosis, or are looking for ongoing medication management, this guide explains what ADHD is, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options currently available in Australia.
Has there been an explosion in ADHD diagnoses in Australia?
Yes, the data shows a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses in Australia within the last 10 years. Whilst there is little evidence that the true prevalence of ADHD has suddenly increased, most experts believe the rise reflects a combination of better recognition, increased awareness, expanded access to assessment, and—in some settings—possible overdiagnosis. Several factors are driving this trend.
- Decades of underdiagnosis are being corrected
This is probably the biggest reason. Historically, ADHD was viewed as a disorder affecting:
- young boys, children with obvious hyperactivity
- students who struggled academically
We now know ADHD can also present in:
- girls and women, adults
- people with high intelligence
- people who perform well academically but struggle internally with organisation, attention or emotional regulation.
Many Australians who were never recognised as children are now being diagnosed in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. This is particularly true for women, whose symptoms often look different from the classic “hyperactive boy” presentation.
- Greater public awareness
Awareness has increased dramatically through:
- social media (particularly TikTok and Instagram)
- podcasts
- documentaries
- celebrities discussing their diagnosis
- workplace mental health initiatives
This has reduced stigma and prompted many people who have struggled their whole lives to seek assessment. Many psychiatrists believe this has helped identify people who previously would never have been assessed.
- COVID-19 exposed symptoms
During the pandemic many people lost the routines that had helped them compensate for ADHD. Working from home, remote learning and increased stress made problems with:
- concentration, organisation
- procrastination and time management was much more noticeable.
COVID probably didn’t cause ADHD, but it often revealed symptoms that had previously been masked.
- Adult ADHD has become widely accepted
Twenty years ago, many clinicians believed children “grew out of ADHD.” Research now shows that for many people:
- symptoms continue into adulthood
- the presentation changes rather than disappears
- adults often struggle with executive functioning rather than hyperactivity
Recognition of adult ADHD has therefore expanded considerably.
- Better diagnostic guidelines
Australia now has:
- improved clinical guidelines and more consistent assessment tools
- greater education for GPs
- psychiatrists with specific ADHD expertise
This has increased the number of people being referred for formal assessment. Some states such as NSW are now allowing specially trained GPs to manage ongoing ADHD treatment, improving access after diagnosis.
- Increased availability of private ADHD clinics
Access to assessment has also become easier through:
- dedicated ADHD clinics, telehealth psychiatry, and
- online referral pathways
Previously, many adults simply never found a clinician willing or experienced enough to assess them. However, this has also raised concerns about variable assessment quality between providers.
Is ADHD being Over diagnosed?
This is where the debate becomes more nuanced. Some experts worry that:
- social media encourages self-diagnosis
- normal human distractibility is sometimes mistaken for ADHD
- commercial incentives may encourage rapid assessments in some private clinics
- anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders and autism can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD if assessments are not comprehensive.
On the other hand, many specialists argue that underdiagnosis remains a larger problem overall, especially in women, older adults, regional communities and people with limited access to specialist care.
Both can be true:
- some people receive an ADHD diagnosis that may not be accurate, particularly after brief or poor-quality assessments
- many others with genuine ADHD still face long waits and barriers to diagnosis.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain regulates attention, impulse control, motivation and executive functioning.
Executive functioning refers to the mental skills that help us:
- Plan and organise tasks
- Prioritise work and Manage time
- Stay focused
- Regulate emotions
- Complete projects
- Remember important information
People with ADHD are not lazy or unintelligent. Rather, their brains process attention and motivation differently. Many individuals with ADHD are highly creative, innovative and capable, but everyday tasks can require considerably more effort than for others.
ADHD affects approximately 5–8% of children and around 2–6% of adults worldwide (with some studies indicating the prevalence to be much higher). Many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life, often after one of their children receives an ADHD diagnosis.
Types of ADHD
Current diagnostic criteria recognise three presentations of ADHD. Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined
1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
People with predominantly inattentive ADHD struggle with focus and organisation. They are sometimes described as ‘daydreamers’. This presentation was previously referred to as “ADD”.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating and following instructions
- Frequently losing belongings, such as keys, phones
- Forgetting appointments and Poor organisation
- Making careless mistakes at work or school
- Being easily distracted
- Avoiding lengthy or mentally demanding tasks
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Symptoms commonly include:
- Constant fidgeting and tapping their feet
- Difficulty remaining seated and feeling internally restless
- Talking excessively and Interrupting others conversations
- Acting without thinking and Difficulty waiting their turn
3. Combined Presentation
Many people experience both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and are diagnosed with the combined presentation.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD is a complex condition with strong genetic influences. Research suggests that ADHD tends to run in families, with multiple genes contributing to its development. Other contributing factors may include: Premature birth, Low birth weight, Exposure to tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy; and Certain neurological conditions
Importantly, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, excessive sugar intake or lack of discipline. These myths have been disproven by decades of research.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms vary significantly between individuals and often change throughout life.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Children may experience:
- Constant movement, difficulty sitting still, frequent interruptions
- Forgetting schoolwork
- Poor concentration, difficulty following classroom instructions
- Emotional outbursts and Impulsivity
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
Teachers are often the first people to recognise these symptoms.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Adults commonly report:
- Difficulty managing workloads and difficulty completing household tasks
- Chronic procrastination, frequently missing deadlines, poor time management
- Forgetfulness, restlessness
- Emotional sensitivity and relationship difficulties
- Impulsive spending
Many adults describe feeling overwhelmed despite appearing highly capable.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
There is no single blood test, brain scan or laboratory investigation that can diagnose ADHD. Instead, diagnosis involves a comprehensive clinical assessment based on internationally accepted diagnostic criteria.
In Australia, specialists generally use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) criteria alongside clinical judgement and recommendations from the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA).
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
To meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD:
Symptoms must include at least six symptoms or more (OR five for people aged 17 years and older) of Inattention and/or Hyperactivity for at least 6 months.
Inattention such as:
- Poor attention to detail
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Appearing not to listen
- Difficulty following instructions
- Poor organisation
- Avoiding mentally demanding tasks
- Frequently losing important items
- Easily distracted
- Forgetfulness
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: for example
- Fidgeting
- Leaving one’s seat
- Feeling restless
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers
- Interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting
Symptoms must also:
- Have been present before 12 years of age
- Be present in two or more settings (for example, home, school or work)
- Cause significant impairment
- Not be better explained by another medical or mental health condition
ADHD Assessments in Australia
A thorough ADHD assessment usually involves several components.
Comprehensive Medical History
Your clinician will discuss:
- Current symptoms, Sleep, Physical health
- Childhood behaviour, School performance, Work history
- Relationships, Family history
- Mental health history
Rating Scales
Validated questionnaires may be completed by:
- The patient, Parents, Partners, or Teachers
These questionnaires help assess symptom severity but are only one part of the assessment.
Childhood History
Because ADHD begins during childhood, evidence of early symptoms is important.
This may include:
- School reports
- Parent interviews
- Historical medical records
- Previous psychological assessments
Physical Examination
Your GP may perform a physical examination to identify other medical conditions that could contribute to concentration difficulties. Additional blood tests may be recommended if another condition is suspected.
Conditions That Can Mimic ADHD
Many conditions can produce symptoms similar to ADHD. It is important to consider these before making a diagnosis. Examples include:
- Anxiety disorders / Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Thyroid disease / Iron deficiency / Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Learning disorders / Autism spectrum disorder
- Substance use disorders
Some people have both ADHD and another condition, making a comprehensive assessment essential.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Untreated ADHD can affect many aspects of life, including education, employment, relationships and overall wellbeing.
Research has shown that appropriate diagnosis and management may improve:
- Academic performance, Workplace productivity
- Emotional wellbeing, Self-esteem, Relationships
- Quality of life
Early identification also allows individuals to access evidence-based treatments, workplace adjustments and educational supports where appropriate.
ADHD Care at Ocean Medical Practice – Bondi’s trusted medical centre
At Ocean Medical Practice, our Bondi GPs can assist with ADHD referrals across Bondi and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Dr Thao Nguyen is also an GP ADHD continuation prescriber. Continuation prescriber GPs have completed specific training can take over your ongoing, routine prescriptions for stimulants (e.g., dexamphetamine, Vyvanse, or Ritalin). To qualify, you must have an established diagnosis from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, and be on a stable dose.
Depending on your individual circumstances, GPs can:
- Assess symptoms and discuss whether ADHD is a possible diagnosis.
- Arrange appropriate investigations to exclude other medical causes of concentration difficulties.
- Refer you to an experienced psychiatrist or paediatrician for a formal ADHD assessment where required.
- Coordinate care with psychologists and allied health professionals.
- Provide ongoing monitoring and support once a diagnosis has been established.
In the next section of this guide, we explain the medications available for ADHD in Australia, common side effects, non-medication treatments, and the evolving NSW pathways that allow some patients to receive ongoing ADHD prescriptions through their GP in collaboration with their psychiatrist.
Last medically reviewed: 7 July 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Ocean Medical Practice – Bondi Medical Centre
Location: Bondi Road, Bondi NSW
