At Narangba Station Medical Centre, we know that navigating ADHD assessments and treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve outlined a clear pathway to help you understand what to expect, from your first GP consultation to ongoing support.

Step 1: Initial Consultation with Your GP

When you come in for your initial appointment, our goal is to really listen to you. We want to understand how difficulties with attention, focus, or restlessness are affecting your day-to-day life; at work, at home, and in your relationships.

We’ll also take the time to look at your health as a whole. Sometimes symptoms that seem like ADHD can be influenced by things like sleep patterns, stress, mood, or other underlying conditions. By considering the bigger picture, we can make sure you get the right support for your unique situation.

If we think ADHD might be a factor, we’ll help guide you through the next steps. That usually means providing a referral to a specialist (such as a psychiatrist) for a thorough diagnostic assessment, so you can get clarity and a personalised treatment plan.

Step 2: Diagnostic Assessment

Once you are referred, your psychiatrist or other mental health professional will assess you to get a comprehensive understanding of what is going on. This is a detailed and collaborative process to help you feel heard.

This may include having you fill out a few questionnaires regarding your symptoms and daily life. They may also speak with people close to you, like family, friends, teachers or co-workers, to see how your symptoms manifest in various contexts.

The assessment is based on a set of diagnostic criteria (DSM-5). This allows for your symptoms to be consistent, significant and affecting multiple areas of your life. The assessment process allows your psychiatrist to make an accurate diagnosis and help you get the treatment that is right for you.

Step 3: Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

Once your specialist has completed the assessment, they will review all the information and, if ADHD is confirmed, provide you with a clear diagnosis. This step is about giving you clarity and understanding (knowing exactly what’s happening and how it affects your daily life).

Your specialist will then work with you to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or medication - whichever combination is best for supporting your wellbeing and helping you reach your goals.

As part of this process, if medication is recommended, the specialist will write a letter to the treating GP authorising us to complete the ADHD S8 Psychostimulant Prescribing Form(Admin/Application fee applies for completion and liaison with Queensland Poisons Department).

This form allows the treating GP to have the authority to prescribe and ensures that any prescribed medication is safe, legally compliant, and can be managed effectively. The form is provided to us so we can work closely with your specialist to co-manage your care and support you with ongoing monitoring.

This step ensures that you have a clear plan, the right supports in place, and a safe pathway to start your treatment confidently.

Step 4: Starting Treatment

Once your treatment plan is in place, we’ll help you begin your journey toward managing ADHD effectively. If medication is part of your plan, we’ll work closely with your specialist through a shared care arrangement to ensure it’s safe, effective, and tailored to you.

Our role is to provide ongoing support by checking in regularly to see how you’re doing, monitoring for any side effects, and adjusting your plan as needed. We’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way, helping you reach your goals and maintain your wellbeing.

Please note monitoring these medications generally also includes ECG (Separate fee applies) and Urine Drug tests (Separate fee Applies) at the GP clinic as per the letter from the psychiatrist.