ADHD Diagnosis and Management: A Comprehensive Approach at Brain and Mind Hub
Written by Dr Megan Dutton
As a clinician and researcher in the field of neuroscience and mental health, I’ve seen how a precise, multidisciplinary approach to ADHD can transform lives. At Brain and Mind Hub, we’ve developed a neuroscience-informed model that integrates clinical accuracy with holistic care—ensuring individuals with ADHD receive not only a correct diagnosis but also the tools to thrive.
Adult ADHD: A Distinct Clinical Presentation
ADHD is not confined to childhood. Longitudinal studies confirm that ADHD persists into adulthood in approximately 60–70% of cases, though its presentation evolves:
- In childhood: overt hyperactivity, impulsivity and academic disruption.
- In adulthood: internal restlessness, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation and chronic difficulties with organisation, time management, and self-regulation.
Adults often present with comorbidities such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders, which can obscure diagnosis. This underscores the importance of a nuanced, developmentally informed assessment process.
Clarifying the Diagnostic Pathway: Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
It is important to dispel a common misconception: while psychologists contribute significantly to assessment and support, they are not qualified to formally diagnose ADHD. In Australia, currently only psychiatrists and paediatricians are authorised to make an official diagnosis. At Brain and Mind Hub, all diagnoses are made by a qualified psychiatrist, ensuring clinical rigor, adherence to best-practice standards and a straightforward process.
It is important to acknowledge that changes in ADHD diagnosis are currently underway across Australia. Each state is in the process of implementing, or planning to implement, GP training and accreditation programs that will expand the ability of GPs to diagnose and prescribe ADHD treatment—aiming to improve access and reduce wait times. This is a model Brain and Mind Hub also intends to adopt, ensuring we continue to offer accessible, high-quality ADHD care in line with evolving national standards.
Our Multimodal Diagnostic Protocol
Our diagnostic process is both scientifically robust and deeply person-centred. It includes:
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
A structured clinical interview conducted by a psychiatrist, incorporating DSM-5 criteria, developmental history and differential diagnosis. This means you can receive a formal diagnosis is received in just one appointment.
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) Brain Mapping
Following the psychiatric assessment, we conduct a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) - a non-invasive, real-time measure of brainwave activity.
EEG provides objective data on cortical arousal, attention regulation and neural connectivity patterns often associated with ADHD. While not diagnostic in isolation, qEEG enhances clinical insight and supports individualised treatment planning.
Psychological Integration Session
A session with a psychologist to help the individual process the diagnosis, explore its implications, and begin the journey of adaptation and self-understanding.
Medical Safety Screening
For individuals considering pharmacological treatment, we conduct a medical check-up to assess cardiovascular and metabolic health, ensuring that psychostimulants can be prescribed safely.
The Neurobiology of Lifestyle Medicine in ADHD
Our approach is grounded in lifestyle psychiatry, which recognises that brain function is profoundly influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors. From a neurobiological perspective, interventions targeting sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and stress regulation can significantly enhance cognitive and emotional functioning in individuals with ADHD.
Sleep: Sleep deprivation impairs prefrontal cortex activity, exacerbating inattention and impulsivity. We support clients in establishing circadian-aligned sleep routines.
Nutrition: Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, and low-glycemic carbohydrates support neurotransmitter synthesis and reduce neuroinflammation.
Exercise: Aerobic activity increases dopamine and norepinephrine availability—neurotransmitters central to attention and motivation.
Stress Management: Chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis and impairs executive function. We teach evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness and breathwork to restore neurophysiological balance.
This neuroscience-driven lifestyle medicine model not only complements pharmacological treatment but also empowers individuals to take an active role in their cognitive health and is available to those seeking comprehensive ADHD treatment.
Beyond Diagnosis: A Continuum of Care
We offer a suite of interventions designed to support individuals across the lifespan:
- ADHD Coaching and Executive Function Training: Personalised strategies to improve planning, prioritisation and self-regulation.
- Peer Support Program: Sessions that foster connection, reduce stigma and promote shared learning.
- Adult ADHD Group Program: A peer-led supportive group where your experiences are valued and your strengths are recognised and celebrated.
ADHD is a complex, lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that demands a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach. At Brain and Mind Hub, we combine the rigour of clinical psychiatry with the innovation of neuroscience and compassionate holistic care. Whether you are seeking clarity, support, or transformation, we are here to guide you, scientifically, ethically and wholeheartedly.
References
Adamou, M., Fullen, T., & Jones, S. L. (2020). EEG for Diagnosis of Adult ADHD: A Systematic Review With Narrative Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 871. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00871 [1]
Asherson, P., Buitelaar, J., Faraone, S. V., & Rohde, L. A. (2016). Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Key conceptual issues. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(6), 568–578. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30032-3 [1]
Cortese, S., Adamo, N., Del Giovane, C., et al. (2018). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4 [1]
Döpfner, M., Hautmann, C., Görtz-Dorten, A., Klasen, F., & Ravens-Sieberer, U. (2015). Long-term course of ADHD symptoms from childhood to early adulthood in a community sample. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 24(6), 665–673. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0610-1 [1]
Faraone, S. V., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. (2006). The age-dependent decline of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis of follow-up studies. Psychological Medicine, 36(2), 159–165. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329170500471X [1]
Lopresti, A. L. (2021). A review of lifestyle and psychosocial factors associated with ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents: Practical recommendations for clinical management. Nutritional Neuroscience, 24(5), 306–321. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2019.1673410 [1]
16 June 2025
““Brain & Mind Hub is leading the way with our use of MRI-guided neuronavigation combined with an intensive protocol that delivers treatment faster and with greater precision. Through our three-tiered treatment model – Standard, Accelerated and Intensive – we’re able to achieve results in just days to weeks, rather than months.” explains BaMH Director and CEO, Dr Jim Lagopoulos.
