ADHD Assessments

There is considerable demand for ADHD assessments in the Perth area and each psychiatrist has a slightly different approach. Dr Law follows a detailed and consistent process which is outlined for your information.

If you would like to learn more about ADHD in Adults, follow this link: ADHD in adults | Your Health in Mind

Step One: Diagnosis & Treatment Planning

Initial Consultation

Dr Law carries out a full psychiatric assessment to assess for ADHD. As well as assessing you for ADHD, Dr Law will screen for other conditions that may occur separately to ADHD, and to consider other conditions that mimic ADHD. The priority for treatment is then considered and a plan will be developed with you. You will be booked in for another appointment two weeks later.

Testing & Information

You will undertake a thorough health screening process to determine your suitability for medications. You will be asked to complete some structured questionnaires to explore your symptoms in more detail, and one or more informants will be asked to confirm your symptoms, in childhood and adulthood. Urine drug screening is required prior to medication being prescribed. You will be provided with information about the treatment options to help you in choosing the best treatment for you.

Second Consultation

Your treatment will be prescribed at this appointment. We will discuss the diagnosis, the medication prescribed and the long term options for treatment. Treatments are prescribed in accordance with the stimulant prescribing regulations in Western Australia. The expectations and rules are outlined so you will be well aware of my processes with stimulant prescribing.

Step Two: Medication Adjustments

If you have been prescribed stimulant medication, you will attend at least 1-2 medication review appointments to adjust the medication dose. Occasionally, a different medication is tried altogether due to side effects or limited response to the first medications tried. The exact number of appointments attended in this stage will therefore depend on your response to each medication tried. ADHD coaching and psychology may be recommended to help you achieve further benefits.

Step Three: Ongoing Treatment

Once you have settled on the correct medication dose, you will be booked for a 3 month follow up. Occasionally, further adjustments are needed at this point. If no further adjustments are required, you will be seen every six months for your stimulant prescriptions. Dr Law does not offer co-prescribing arrangements; she retains full prescribing rights for all stimulant prescriptions.

Stimulant Prescribing

Drug Screening is Required

Urine Drug Screening is compulsory for all patients seeking to start stimulant medication for their ADHD. If you are using illicit substances you will not be eligible for stimulant medications.

Urine Drug Screening is done at least annually for the duration of your treatment, with additional random drug screens at our discretion.

Stimulant Prescriptions

Appointments are required for all stimulant prescriptions, and appointment fees must be settled prior to your script being released. It is important to ensure your appointments are scheduled prior to running out of medication. We do not replace lost or stolen prescriptions; you would need to wait until the next repeat or new script is due.