ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis in Surry Hills: A Complete Guide for Children and Adults
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting both children and adults. Over the past decade, awareness of ADHD has grown significantly across Australia, leading more people to seek professional assessment after years of struggling with concentration, organisation, impulsivity or emotional regulation.
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.
Despite this increased awareness, many Australians still face lengthy waiting times for specialist appointments, uncertainty about the diagnostic process and confusion about the role their GP can play. Questions such as “Do I need a psychiatrist?”, “Can my GP diagnose ADHD?” and “What happens during an ADHD assessment?” are among the most common enquiries we receive.
At Crown St Medical Centre, Surry Hills, our experienced GPs work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists and other allied health professionals. Whether you are concerned about your child, suspect you may have undiagnosed adult ADHD or require ongoing ADHD medication management after diagnosis, we are here to guide you through every stage of the process.
Conveniently located in Surry Hills, we care for patients from Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Woollahra, Green Square, Alexandria and surrounding inner Sydney suburbs, providing personalised, evidence-based healthcare close to home.
If you are searching for an ADHD continuation prescriber in Surry Hills, adult ADHD assessment in Sydney, or an ADHD GP in Surry Hills, our team can help determine the most appropriate next steps for your individual circumstances.
Book your appointment online today: https://crownstmedicalcentre.com.au/book/
Why Are ADHD Diagnoses Increasing in Australia?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether ADHD is becoming more common.
The short answer is probably not.
Current evidence suggests that the true prevalence of ADHD has remained relatively stable. Instead, the significant increase in diagnoses reflects improved awareness, better recognition of symptoms, evolving clinical guidelines and greater access to specialist assessment.
Better Recognition of Adult ADHD
Historically, ADHD was thought to affect mainly young boys who displayed obvious hyperactive behaviour. We now understand that ADHD presents very differently between individuals and often continues into adulthood.
Many adults—particularly women—were never diagnosed as children because their symptoms were less obvious. Rather than being disruptive in the classroom, they may have quietly struggled with organisation, attention, time management or emotional regulation.
Today, greater awareness means many people are finally receiving an explanation for lifelong challenges that were previously misunderstood.
Increased Public Awareness
Public understanding of ADHD has grown substantially through health campaigns, educational resources, podcasts, workplace mental health initiatives and responsible media coverage.
As awareness has improved, more Australians have recognised symptoms in themselves or their children and sought professional assessment.
While social media has also contributed to increased awareness, it is important to remember that self-diagnosis is not a substitute for a comprehensive medical assessment.
COVID-19 Highlighted Symptoms
For many adults, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exposed previously hidden ADHD symptoms.
Working from home, changes to routine and increased daily demands made difficulties with concentration, organisation, procrastination and time management far more noticeable.
Rather than causing ADHD, these lifestyle changes often revealed symptoms that had previously been managed through structured routines.
Improved Clinical Guidelines
Australia has seen significant improvements in ADHD assessment pathways, supported by updated clinical guidelines and increased education for healthcare professionals.
GPs now play an increasingly important role in identifying possible ADHD, excluding other medical conditions, coordinating referrals and supporting patients after diagnosis through collaborative care.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, motivation and executive functioning.
Executive functioning refers to the mental skills we rely on every day to:
- Plan and organise tasks
- Prioritise work and study
- Manage time effectively
- Stay focused
- Control impulses
- Regulate emotions
- Remember important information
- Complete projects
People living with ADHD are not lazy, unintelligent or lacking motivation. Instead, their brains process attention and reward differently.
Many individuals with ADHD are highly creative, innovative and capable. However, everyday activities that others find straightforward—such as organising paperwork, managing deadlines or remembering appointments—may require considerably more effort.
Research estimates that ADHD affects approximately 5–8% of children and 2–6% of adults worldwide, although many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life.
What Are the Different Types of ADHD?
Current diagnostic criteria recognise three clinical presentations of ADHD.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
This presentation is characterised by difficulties with attention, organisation and concentration rather than hyperactivity.
Common features include:
- Frequently losing personal belongings
- Difficulty following conversations
- Forgetting appointments
- Poor organisation
- Becoming easily distracted
- Avoiding lengthy or mentally demanding tasks
- Making careless mistakes
Many adults diagnosed later in life fall into this category.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
People with this presentation experience greater difficulties with impulsive behaviour and physical restlessness.
Symptoms may include:
- Fidgeting or constant movement
- Difficulty remaining seated
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting conversations
- Acting before thinking
- Difficulty waiting their turn
Combined Presentation
The combined presentation includes significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity and is the most commonly diagnosed form of ADHD.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD affects people differently throughout life. Symptoms often change with age and may vary depending on work, school, family responsibilities and other health conditions.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Children with ADHD may experience:
- Difficulty concentrating in class
- Forgetting homework or school materials
- Constant movement or restlessness
- Acting impulsively
- Difficulty following instructions
- Emotional outbursts
- Problems maintaining friendships
Teachers are often among the first to recognise these patterns and recommend further assessment.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Adults frequently describe challenges such as:
- Chronic procrastination
- Poor time management
- Difficulty managing workloads
- Forgetfulness
- Misplacing important items
- Emotional sensitivity
- Relationship difficulties
- Impulsive spending
- Feeling overwhelmed despite being capable and intelligent
Many adults seek an adult ADHD assessment in Sydney after years of wondering why everyday tasks seem significantly more difficult than they do for others.
If these symptoms are affecting your work, study, relationships or overall wellbeing, a comprehensive assessment can help determine whether ADHD or another condition may be contributing.
At Crown St Medical Centre, our GPs have been servicing the local Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Woollahra, Green Square and Alexandria community for over 10 years. Our Surry Hills doctors can help you take the first step towards understanding your symptoms and accessing appropriate care.
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 Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hill’s trusted medical centre
At your Surry Hills Medical Practice, our Surry Hills doctors can assist with ADHD referrals across Surry Hills and Inner Sydney Suburbs. Dr Thao Nguyen & Dr Kate van Berlo are GP ADHD continuation prescribers. 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, our 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: 6 August 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hill’s Trusted Medical Centre
Location: Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW
