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ADHD on the Gold Coast: What to Expect from an Assessment
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions in Australia, and one of the most frequently misunderstood. For decades it was seen primarily as a condition affecting hyperactive young boys. Today, we know it looks very different in many people, particularly adults, women, and anyone who learned to mask their symptoms early in life.
If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD might explain some of the challenges you or your child face, getting a proper assessment is the right place to start. Here’s what you need to know about the process at Southport Metro Doctors.
What is ADHD and how does it present?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. It’s caused by differences in brain development and brain activity, and it has nothing to do with intelligence, effort, or willpower.
ADHD presents in three primary types:
Predominantly Inattentive (previously called ADD) — Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, organising, and remembering. Often shows up as daydreaming, forgetfulness, and losing things. This type is more common in women and girls and is frequently missed or diagnosed later in life.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive — Fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, talking excessively, interrupting, and acting before thinking. More commonly recognised in children, particularly boys.
Combined Type — A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. The most common presentation overall.
Signs of ADHD in adults
Adult ADHD often looks quite different from the textbook image of a hyperactive child. Common presentations include:
- Difficulty completing tasks, especially ones that require sustained mental effort
- Starting many projects but finishing few
- Chronic disorganisation, missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, lost items
- Difficulty with time management and consistently underestimating how long things take
- Emotional dysregulation, intense frustration, mood swings, or difficulty managing stress
- Hyperfocus, the ability to become intensely absorbed in interesting tasks while struggling to engage with routine ones
- Restlessness or an inner sense of always needing to be on the go
- Impulsive decisions around spending, saying things without thinking, or acting on impulse
- Relationship difficulties due to forgetting things, seeming distracted, or struggling to follow conversations
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life describe it as a moment of real relief. Finally having a framework to understand a lifetime of experiences that never quite made sense.
Signs of ADHD in children
In children, ADHD can significantly affect school performance, friendships, and family life. Signs to watch for include:
- Frequently losing schoolwork, pencils, books, or belongings
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- Seeming not to listen when spoken to directly
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, like homework
- Excessive talking, interrupting, or difficulty waiting their turn
- Running or climbing in situations where it’s not appropriate
- Acting as though driven by a motor
ADHD symptoms need to be present across multiple settings, not just at school, and must cause genuine impairment to meet diagnostic criteria.
How does the assessment process work at Southport Metro?
You don’t need a referral to get started. Simply book in with one of our GPs and we’ll take it from there.
In Queensland, GPs are able to diagnose ADHD, which means you won’t necessarily need to see a specialist to get answers. Our team works collaboratively, including with our onsite psychologist, to make sure you get a thorough and accurate assessment. If a psychological assessment would help build a clearer picture, your GP will let you know and arrange that as part of your care.
Step 1: Book in with a GP
Your GP will take a thorough history, reviewing your symptoms, when they started, how they affect your daily life, and ruling out other conditions that can look like ADHD, such as anxiety, thyroid issues, or sleep disorders. The more detail you can bring to this appointment, the better.
Step 2: Collaborative assessment if needed
Where your GP feels it would be helpful, they may involve our onsite psychologist, Steven Kose, as part of the assessment process. This collaborative approach means you’re getting input from multiple perspectives without having to navigate the process on your own.
Step 3: Diagnosis and treatment plan
If ADHD is confirmed, your GP will discuss treatment options with you. These typically include a combination of medication, behavioural strategies, and psychological support tailored to your situation.
Step 4: Ongoing support
Your GP will continue to manage your care, including prescription management, monitoring, and referrals to psychology where ongoing support is beneficial. We keep everything under one roof where we can.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the most of your first visit, it helps to:
- Write down the specific symptoms you’re experiencing and how long you’ve noticed them
- Note how symptoms affect different areas of your life, work, relationships, daily tasks
- Bring any previous reports or assessments if you have them
- For children, talk to their teacher beforehand and bring along any school reports
Book at Southport Metro Doctors
No referral needed. Our GPs are experienced in assessing and diagnosing ADHD in both adults and children, and our team works together to make sure you get the right outcome. We’re open 7 days a week at Australia Fair Metro Shopping Centre in Southport.
Book online or call us on 07 5612 7830.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD requires assessment by a qualified medical professional. Please consult your GP for personalised advice.