Psychology

Is It ADHD or Anxiety, or Both?

Difficulty concentrating, restlessness, racing thoughts, procrastination, and sleep problems can all be signs of ADHD, anxiety, or both. Because these conditions share many overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to know what is driving the challenges you’re experiencing.

Understanding the Difference

Although ADHD and anxiety can sometimes look similar, they are fundamentally different conditions.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills such as planning, organisation, and time management. Symptoms typically begin in childhood, although some people may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is the mind and body’s response to perceived threat, uncertainty, or danger. Anxiety disorders involve excessive and persistent worry that can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or school.

Why Are ADHD and Anxiety Often Confused?

Both ADHD and anxiety can cause difficulties with concentration, restlessness, irritability, sleep, and feelings of overwhelm.

For example, a child who appears distracted in class may be struggling to sustain attention due to ADHD, or they may be preoccupied with worries about getting something wrong. Likewise, an adult who procrastinates may be avoiding a task because they find it difficult to organise themselves, or because they are anxious about making a mistake.

The behaviour may look similar, but the reason behind it can be very different.

ADHD vs Anxiety: What Are the Clues?

People with ADHD often struggle with attention even when they feel calm. They may be easily distracted, forgetful, disorganised, or find it difficult to prioritise and complete tasks. Impulsivity, fidgeting, and emotional regulation difficulties are also common.

People with anxiety tend to experience difficulty concentrating because their attention is occupied by worry. They may find themselves constantly thinking about what could go wrong, feeling tense or on edge, seeking reassurance, or avoiding situations that make them anxious. Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, nausea, a racing heart, or difficulty relaxing are also common.

Can You Have Both?

Yes. In fact, ADHD and anxiety commonly occur together.

For some people, the ongoing challenges associated with ADHD, such as forgetting things, missing deadlines, struggling academically, or finding relationships difficult, can contribute to stress and anxiety over time.

At the same time, anxiety can make ADHD symptoms feel worse by making it harder to concentrate, organise tasks, make decisions, and manage everyday responsibilities.

Why Assessment Matters

Because ADHD and anxiety overlap in many ways, it is important not to rely on symptoms alone.

A comprehensive assessment looks at your developmental history, current symptoms, daily functioning, and the underlying reasons those symptoms are occurring. The goal is to understand whether difficulties are related to ADHD, anxiety, both conditions, or something else entirely.

Finding a Psychologist Who Speaks Your Language

Seeking support from a psychologist can feel like a big step. For many people, it can also feel more comfortable when they are able to communicate in their preferred language.

Being able to discuss thoughts, emotions, personal experiences, and family relationships in the language that feels most natural to you can help reduce misunderstandings and make the therapeutic process feel more accessible. This can be particularly important when discussing complex emotions, cultural experiences, or sensitive topics.

At Back On Track Psychology, we offer psychological assessments and therapy in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, and other languages. Our bilingual clinicians work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing support that is both culturally responsive and tailored to individual needs.

Why Language Matters

Mental health care is about more than simply translating words. Language carries culture, family experiences, values, and ways of understanding the world.

For some individuals and families, working with a psychologist who can communicate in Mandarin or Cantonese may make it easier to:

• Express thoughts and emotions
• Discuss family and cultural experiences
• Understand assessment results and recommendations
• Involve family members when appropriate
• Feel more comfortable throughout the therapeutic process

ADHD Assessments for Children: What Actually Happens, Step by Step?

If you’re wondering whether your child may have ADHD, it’s natural to have questions about what the assessment process involves. Many parents are unsure what happens during an ADHD assessment, who is involved, or what information is needed to reach a diagnosis.

An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to determine whether a child meets the criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent difficulties with attention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity that impact everyday functioning. The assessment process aims not only to identify ADHD, but also to understand how your child is functioning across different environments and whether other factors may be contributing to their difficulties.

Step 1: Speak With Your GP

For many families, the process begins with a visit to their GP. During this appointment, you can discuss any concerns you have about your child’s attention, behaviour, organisation, activity levels, or academic functioning.

Your GP may explore possible medical explanations for the concerns and, where appropriate, provide a referral for a more comprehensive assessment. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a psychologist, paediatrician, or psychiatrist experienced in ADHD assessments.

Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment and Information Gathering

An ADHD assessment involves gathering information from multiple sources to build a thorough understanding of your child’s development and current functioning.

The process typically includes detailed discussions with parents, caregivers, and the child about developmental history, family history, medical background, learning experiences, and current concerns. Clinicians will often ask about when symptoms began, how frequently they occur, and how they affect your child’s daily life at home, school, and in social settings.

Questionnaires and rating scales are also commonly used. Parents and teachers may be asked to complete standardised assessments that provide information about a child’s attention, behaviour, and executive functioning across different environments. Gathering information from both home and school is an important part of understanding whether difficulties are occurring consistently in multiple settings.

Depending on the child’s presentation, additional assessment measures may also be used to explore areas such as attention, memory, executive functioning, or learning. Clinicians will also consider whether other factors may be contributing to the concerns, including anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep issues, or other developmental or mental health conditions that can sometimes overlap with ADHD symptoms.

Step 3: Review of Results and Diagnostic Decision-Making

Once all information has been collected, the clinician carefully reviews the findings and compares them with established diagnostic criteria.

Rather than relying on a single questionnaire or appointment, the assessment considers information gathered from interviews, rating scales, developmental history, and any additional assessment data. This allows the clinician to determine whether the child’s difficulties are consistent with ADHD and whether there may be other factors that also require consideration.

Step 4: Feedback and Recommendations

Following the assessment, families receive feedback about the results and recommendations for next steps.

This typically includes a comprehensive written report outlining the assessment findings, any diagnosis that may be appropriate, and practical recommendations to support the child at home and school. Recommendations may include educational strategies, behavioural supports, accommodations, further assessment, or referrals to other professionals where needed.

If medication is being considered, families may also work with a paediatrician or child psychiatrist to discuss treatment options and ongoing management.

The Goal of an ADHD Assessment

An ADHD assessment is about much more than determining whether a child has ADHD. The process helps build a clearer picture of a child’s strengths, challenges, learning profile, and support needs.

For many families, the assessment provides valuable insight into why certain difficulties are occurring and offers practical recommendations to help children thrive both at home and at school.

At Back On Track Psychology, our team provides ADHD assessments for children and works closely with families to make the process as clear, supportive, and informative as possible.

Cognitive vs Educational Assessments: What’s the Difference?

Parents are often unsure whether their child needs a cognitive assessment or an educational assessment. While the two are related, they focus on different areas and answer different questions.

A cognitive assessment evaluates how a person thinks and learns. It looks at cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, language skills, executive functioning, and overall intellectual functioning. The results help identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses and provide insight into how a child processes information.

An educational assessment, on the other hand, focuses on a student’s learning abilities and academic performance. It is designed to evaluate a child’s educational development, identify learning needs, and understand any barriers that may be affecting progress at school. The information gathered can help guide educational planning and support.

A simple way to think about the difference is that a cognitive assessment explores how a child learns, while an educational assessment looks at how a child is performing academically. In some cases, one assessment may be sufficient. In others, completing both assessments provides a more complete picture of a child’s learning profile and support needs.

If you’re concerned about your child’s learning, academic progress, attention, memory, or problem-solving skills, our team can help determine which assessment is most appropriate for your child’s needs.

How Do I Get Assessed for ADHD as an Adult?

Many adults reach a point where they start wondering whether ADHD might explain some of the challenges they’ve experienced throughout their lives. Difficulties with attention, organisation, time management, impulsivity, or feeling constantly overwhelmed are common reasons people start exploring an assessment.

If you’re considering an ADHD assessment, understanding the process can help make the next steps feel clearer.

Step 1: Book an Appointment with Your GP

For many adults in Australia, the first step is speaking with a GP.

During the appointment, your GP may:

• Ask about your symptoms and how they affect your work, study, relationships, or daily life
• Discuss your medical and mental health history
• Consider whether other health conditions may be contributing to your concerns
• Ask you to complete an ADHD screening questionnaire
• Provide a referral to a psychologist and/or psychiatrist for further assessment

If you would like to explore medication as part of your treatment options, a psychiatrist is generally required.

Step 2: Attend an ADHD Assessment

An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that looks at whether ADHD may be contributing to the difficulties you are experiencing.

The assessment process is designed to build a clear picture of your symptoms, experiences, and functioning across different areas of life.

Depending on the clinician and assessment service, the process may include:

• A detailed clinical interview
• Questions about your childhood and developmental history
• Discussion of current symptoms and their impact on daily life
• Review of family, medical, and mental health history
• Standardised questionnaires and rating scales
• Information from partners, family members, or other relevant supports where appropriate

The aim is not only to assess for ADHD, but also to consider other factors that may contribute to similar symptoms.

Why Does the Assessment Look at Childhood?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means symptoms typically begin during childhood.

As part of the assessment, you may be asked about:

• School experiences
• Childhood behaviour
• Academic challenges
• Family observations
• Previous reports or assessments

Many adults are surprised by how much attention is given to their earlier years. This information helps clinicians understand whether ADHD symptoms have been present across the lifespan.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Once all information has been gathered, the clinician reviews the results to determine whether the symptoms are consistent with ADHD. If ADHD is diagnosed, recommendations may be provided regarding treatment, supports, workplace or study accommodations, and other strategies that may be helpful.

Many adults seek an assessment after years of wondering why certain aspects of life seem more difficult than they appear to be for others. For some, the process provides answers they have been searching for for a long time.

If you’re considering an ADHD assessment, our team can help you understand the process and determine the most appropriate next steps.

Medicare Rebates for Psychology in 2026: A Plain-English Guide

If you’re considering seeing a psychologist, you may be able to access Medicare rebates through the Better Access Initiative. To be eligible, you generally need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral from your GP. Referrals can also be provided by a psychiatrist or paediatrician in some circumstances.

Under Better Access, eligible patients can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions and up to 10 group mental health treatment sessions per calendar year. Psychology services provided under this program are intended for people with a clinically diagnosed mental health condition who require at least a moderate level of mental health support.

Most people begin by seeing their GP, who prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provides a referral. An initial referral can cover up to 6 individual sessions. After these sessions, your psychologist provides a report to your referring practitioner, who reviews your progress and determines whether further sessions are appropriate. If additional treatment is recommended, a new referral can be provided for the remaining sessions available that year, up to the annual limit of 10 sessions.

In 2026, the Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute psychology session is $149.05 with an eligible clinical psychologist and $101.55 with an eligible general psychologist. To attract this rebate, the appointment must be provided individually and be at least 50 minutes in duration.

It’s important to understand that Medicare does not necessarily cover the full cost of a psychology appointment. Many private clinics charge fees above the Medicare rebate amount, which means there is often an out-of-pocket expense, commonly referred to as a gap fee. Any Medicare-eligible out-of-pocket expenses count towards the Medicare Safety Net, which may provide additional benefits once relevant thresholds are reached.

You do not need a new Mental Health Treatment Plan every year. As long as you remain under the care of your referring practitioner and continue to meet eligibility requirements, new referrals can be issued when needed. If you don’t use all of the sessions on a referral before the end of the year, any unused services can still be used in the following calendar year, subject to your annual Medicare limits.

If you have private health insurance, you will generally need to choose between claiming through Medicare or claiming through your private health fund for the same appointment. Private health insurance cannot be used to top up a Medicare rebate for an individual psychology session.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for Medicare rebates, or you have questions about referrals and Mental Health Treatment Plans, our team can help explain the process and guide you through the next steps.

Do I Need a GP Referral to See a Psychologist?

Many people are unsure whether they need a referral before seeing a psychologist. The good news is that, in most cases, you do not need a referral to make an appointment with a psychologist.

If you would like to access psychology services as a private-paying client, you can contact a psychologist directly and book an appointment yourself. This allows you to get started without needing to visit your GP first.

However, the process is slightly different if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for your psychology sessions.

When Do I Need a Referral?

To access Medicare rebates for psychology services, you will generally need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP. In some circumstances, referrals can also be provided by a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan allows eligible individuals to receive Medicare rebates for a specified number of psychology sessions. Without the appropriate referral documentation, Medicare rebates cannot be claimed.

What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is prepared by your GP following an appointment where you discuss your mental health concerns and current circumstances.

During this appointment, your GP may ask about your symptoms, how they are affecting your daily life, and whether psychology support may be beneficial. If appropriate, your GP can then provide a referral to a psychologist.

Once the referral is in place, you can book an appointment with your chosen psychologist and claim eligible Medicare rebates for your sessions.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

Some clients choose to access psychology services privately because they would like to begin therapy as soon as possible or prefer not to use Medicare. Others choose to obtain a referral in order to access Medicare rebates and reduce the out-of-pocket cost of treatment.

Both options are available, and the best choice will depend on your individual circumstances.

If you’re unsure whether you need a referral, have questions about Medicare rebates, or would like help understanding the referral process, please contact our team. We’re happy to guide you through the next steps and help you access the support you need.

School Readiness: How to Tell if Your Child Is Ready for Prep

Starting Prep is a major milestone, and many parents wonder whether their child is truly “ready” for school. While it’s natural to focus on academic skills like counting, recognising letters, or writing a name, school readiness is about much more than academics.

Children are most likely to thrive at school when they have a combination of social, emotional, communication, and independence skills. This includes being able to follow simple instructions, participate in group activities, express their needs, manage emotions with support, and cope with everyday challenges.

A child who is ready for Prep does not need to do everything perfectly. Instead, it’s helpful to consider whether they are developing age-appropriate skills in a range of areas. For example, can they separate from a parent or caregiver, follow routines, take turns, share with others, and recover from small disappointments? Can they ask for help when needed and communicate their wants and needs clearly?

Developing independence is also an important part of school readiness. Being able to manage tasks such as using the toilet independently, washing hands, opening lunch boxes and drink bottles, carrying a school bag, and looking after personal belongings, can help children feel confident and capable in the classroom.

Children also learn best through play. Activities such as building, drawing, and playing with others help develop the attention, language, problem-solving, and social skills needed for future learning. Research continues to show that strong social and emotional foundations are just as important as early academic knowledge when starting school.

Parents can support school readiness by reading together regularly, encouraging independence, establishing predictable routines, arranging opportunities for social play, and talking positively about school. Visiting the school, attending transition programs, and discussing what a typical school day might look like can also help children feel more comfortable with the change.

Every child develops at their own pace, and readiness looks different for every family. The goal is not to create the “perfect” Prep student, but to help your child approach school with confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn. If you have concerns about your child’s development or readiness for school, speaking with their kindergarten educator, teacher, or a health professional can help identify the most appropriate support.

Gender-Affirming (WPATH) Assessment – Melbourne

At Back On Track Psychology, we provide gender-affirming assessments for transgender and gender-diverse individuals seeking access to gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy and surgical interventions. Our approach is warm, respectful, and inclusive, recognising that every person’s experience of gender is unique. Assessments are conducted in line with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care and are designed to support informed, ethical, and person-centred access to care.

A WPATH assessment involves a collaborative discussion about your gender identity, personal history, mental health and wellbeing, support networks, and goals for medical affirmation. We also explore your understanding of the proposed treatment pathway, including the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of medical interventions. The assessment process typically takes around three appointments, though this may vary based on individual circumstances and the requirements of your treating medical professional.

Importantly, the purpose of the assessment is not to determine your gender identity. Your gender identity is your own personal experience and understanding. The assessment aims to ensure that any recommended medical interventions are appropriate, informed, and supported within your individual context. For individuals under 18, additional sessions with parents or guardians may be recommended to provide information and support throughout the process.

Following the assessment, your clinician will prepare the required documentation for your treating endocrinologist, surgeon, or other medical professional. This may include a formal WPATH assessment report or supporting letter, where appropriate. Reports are generally valid for three months, although individual providers may have their own requirements.

WPATH Assessment – Melbourne