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FAQs

Explore answers to common questions about Telehealth ADHD assessments, our process, and treatments.
What is a Telehealth consultation?

A Telehealth consultation is a consultation where you and your specialist are not in the same room as each other and use technology to be able to see and hear each other, just like Face Time or Zoom.

At the time of consultation, you will see your doctor through a computer screen or a smart device. There may be a staff member present in the room if it is deemed appropriate and you are comfortable with that. By using Telehealth you will:

  • Save travel time to appointments.
  • Save on accommodation expenses.
  • Reduce the stress and strain on your loved ones and carers who travel with you or look after family members at home while you go to an appointment.
  • See a Health Specialist sooner.
  • With your permission, your local Health Worker, Nurse or Specialist Doctor may attend your appointment as support. They may also assist by asking and answering questions you or your Health Specialist may have.
  • Receive specialist care at your local hospital rather than transferring to a large hospital away from home.
  • Receive regular care close to home.
In most States and Territories ADHD medications for adults can be prescribed either by a psychiatrist or by a general practitioner who has received a diagnostic report and management plan from a psychiatrist. In NSW the psychiatrist needs to prescribe stimulants for the first six months of treatment. In Western Australia both the psychiatrist and general practitioner need to be physically present.
A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can diagnose and treat ADHD, and screen for other medical, neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. In Australia a psychiatrist needs to be involved if stimulant medication is prescribed – either by authorising your GP or prescribing for you directly.
ADHD can lead to significant impairment in many areas of life. Common problems include academic and professional under-achievement – not reaching one’s potential. Treating ADHD can greatly reduce the risk of problems associated with ADHD including accidents, substance use, affective dysregulation (mood swings/irritability), and communication/relationship problems. In addition to the personal frustration, turmoil and unfulfilled potential, in financial terms it is estimated that ADHD costs Australian $20.42 billion annually (according to the 2022 Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline).
General practitioner referral is mandatory, in most cases ADHD is managed by your GP after initial assessment by a psychiatrist. Without a GP referral no Medicare rebate is available.
The information provided on your questionnaire is helpful in guiding the consultation. It does not replace the face to face diagnostic assessment.
Initial assessment with our psychiatrist is generally of 60 minutes duration.
Usually your GP will take on the role of prescriber if medication is required. However if either you or your GP prefer, our psychiatrist can prescribe any medication as needed.
It is estimated that around one million Australians are living with ADHD. Many are undiagnosed and untreated. Historically clinicians have been poor at detecting ADHD in children, especially the inattentive subtype. Only recently have we begun to understand that ADHD persists in adulthood and can lead to significant impairment if left untreated.
Stimulant medication remains the first-line treatment for ADHD and is the most effective treatment for most people. Non-medication treatment for ADHD includes diet, meditation, exercise, sleep hygiene, time management. It is very important to address any co-morbid substance use issues. Ongoing psychological support from an ADHD specialist psychologist is highly recommended.
The safety of stimulant medications during pregnancy is not well established—pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials. These medications are considered “Category C,” meaning animal studies have shown risk but human data is insufficient. It’s important for women in this situation to discuss with their doctor to weigh risks vs benefits.
While lifesource clinics does not bulk bill, we would be providing you with documentation to claim your rebate from Medicare.
After your initial assessment, if you are diagnosed with ADHD and your GP will provide ongoing management, the requirement for further psychiatric assessment varies from State to State. We recommend a psychiatric review no less frequently than once every two years. Patients can also request reviews sooner or book follow-ups as needed.
What do I need to provide before my consultation?
Before your consultation, you’ll need to provide relevant medical history, current medications, and any previous assessment reports. Our team will send you a comprehensive intake form to complete prior to your appointment.
You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer), a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private space for the consultation.
Ensure you have laboratory tests including ECG results, complete all intake forms, test your technology setup, prepare a list of questions, gather any relevant documents or medications, and ensure you have a quiet, private space for the consultation.
On the day of your consultation, ensure your device is charged, test your internet connection, log in a few minutes early, have your documents ready, and be in a quiet, well-lit space.
The consultation will include you and your ADHD specialist. With your permission, a support person or family member may join, and in some cases, a clinical support staff member may be present.
All telehealth consultations are conducted using secure, encrypted platforms that comply with healthcare privacy regulations. Your personal health information is protected at all times.
After your consultation, you’ll receive a summary of the session, any prescribed treatments or recommendations, and information about follow-up appointments if needed. Our team will coordinate any necessary next steps.
In 1994, the name of the disorder was changed in a way that is confusing for many people. Since that time all forms of attention deficit disorder are officially called “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder,” regardless of whether the individual has symptoms of hyperactivity or not. Even though these are the official labels, many people still use both terms: ADD and ADHD. Some use those terms to designate the old subtypes; others use ADD just as a shorter way to refer to any presentation.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of co-existing conditions. Such an evaluation includes a careful history, a clinical assessment of academic, social, and emotional functioning, and developmental level.
For adults with ADHD, the challenges of healthy weight management appear greater than for those without ADHD. For example, one study found adults with ADHD are 1.58 times more likely to be overweight and 1.81 times more likely to be obese than adults who do not have ADHD. Children with ADHD also appear to have higher rates of overweight and obesity than their peers. Whether or not ADHD is treated is an important factor.
What other conditions can occur with ADHD? More than two-thirds of individuals with ADHD have at least one other coexisting condition. Commonly occurring ones include disruptive behaviour disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, tics or Tourette Syndrome, learning disorders, sleep disorders and substance abuse.
Treating ADHD often requires medical, educational, behavioural and psychological interventions. This comprehensive (“multimodal”) approach may include parent training, medication, skills training, counselling, behavioural therapy, educational supports, and education about ADHD.
No. Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. About one-third of children with ADHD continue to meet the criteria for ADHD as adults. In early adulthood ADHD may be associated with depression, mood or conduct disorders and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD often deal with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives, inconsistent performance, relationship issues and chronic frustration or guilt.
Youth with ADHD are more likely to start smoking early. Cigarette smoking is more common in adolescents with ADHD, and adults with ADHD report more difficulty quitting. Individuals with ADHD are also at higher risk for nicotine addiction compared to those without ADHD.

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