For Health Professionals

Evidence-based practice  

  

OT 4 ADHDULTS utilises best evidence-based practice for adults diagnosed with ADHD.

• Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2022). Clinicians should offer multimodal treatment and support. Pharmacological treatment is most effective in reducing core ADHD symptoms. Non-pharmacological treatments provide additional support to minimise the daily impact of ADHD symptoms and associated difficulties. The primary outcome of non-pharmacological treatment is improved functioning and wellbeing.

• ADHD in adults: Royal College of Psychiatrists, Scotland (2017) good practice guidelines report the input of occupational therapists can be particularly useful to help patients structure their time, improve organisational skills, and assist with access to further education and employment. 

• UK adult ADHD network consensus statement (2021): by assessing specific aspects of a person’s occupation, OTs can deploy their unique skills in providing specialist interventions for adults with ADHD.

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Consultations

  

• Initial 90-minute consultation includes a comprehensive assessment to ascertain occupational performance issues, strengths, barriers & goals; discuss DASS-21 & WFIRS-S outcomes and collaborate on a treatment plan.

• Standard 60-minute consultations provide clients with structured support and specific strategies to facilitate recovery, engage in meaningful and productive life roles and improve their overall quality of life.

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Intervention

  

Includes but is not limited to:

• psychoeducation - client and significant others;

• adapting occupations and modifying environments;

• CBT for mild to moderate depression, anxiety or anger associated with ADHD;

• prescribing aids and assistive technology;

• optimising time management;

• sleep hygiene;

• promoting self-regulation;

• enhancing social interaction and awareness;

• monitoring and regulating sensory stimulation;

• implementing stress management techniques;

• workplace accommodations; and

• shared learning (from lived experience of a late ADHD diagnosis) and recovery-oriented practice.

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Format

  

Video calls: via Cliniko practice management software, designed to meet data protection regulations compliant with Australian Privacy Principles, GDPR, PIPEDA and HIPAA.