ADHD Glossary

🧠 ADHD Glossary: Plain-Language Guide for Patients

Prepared by the Mind and Brain Clinic – A neurodiversity-affirming practice

Understanding ADHD can be overwhelming—especially with all the clinical terms thrown around. Here’s a clear and friendly guide to help make sense of it all.

🔹 ADHD Types

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
A brain-based condition affecting focus, activity levels, and self-control.

Inattentive Type
Easily distracted, forgetful, disorganised, often described as “daydreamy.”

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Fidgety, restless, talks a lot, may interrupt or act without thinking.

Combined Type
A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive traits.

🔹 Brain Function Terms

Executive Functioning
The brain’s “management system” for planning, organising, remembering, and staying on track.

Working Memory
The brain’s notepad—used to hold short-term info (like remembering a phone number while dialing).

Emotional Dysregulation
Strong emotions that feel hard to control or bounce back from.

Task Paralysis
Feeling mentally ‘stuck’ when starting a task—even if it’s important.

Time Blindness
Losing track of time or struggling to estimate how long tasks take.

Hyperfocus
Getting so deeply focused on something you lose awareness of time or surroundings.

🔹 Common Experiences

RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)
Extreme emotional pain in response to feeling criticised, left out, or rejected—even if it wasn’t intentional.

Body Doubling
Staying on task by working alongside someone else (in person or virtually). Just having someone nearby can help.

Doom Piles
Stacks of clutter or unfinished tasks that build up due to overwhelm.

🔹 Diagnosis & Medication

Titration
Gradually adjusting your medication dose to find what works best.

Stimulants
First-line ADHD meds like Vyvanse, Ritalin, or dexamphetamine—help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.

Non-Stimulants
Alternatives like atomoxetine or guanfacine—used when stimulants don’t suit or cause side effects.

PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
Australian program that subsidises certain medications if specific criteria are met.

Co-prescribing
When a psychiatrist and GP share responsibility for prescribing ADHD medication.

	Yes	No
I would like to receive Appointment Reminders by SMS
I would like to be added to the cancellation list
I would like a copy of my registration details emailed to me after I submit the form

Description	Fee (AUD)	Medicare Rebate (AUD)	Out of pocket
Follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist – standard	$250.00	$85.00	$165.00
Follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist – extended	$350.00	$130.85	$219.15
Follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist – long	$600.00	$180.55	$419.45
Script outside of appointment	$60.00	-	$60.00
Letter for travel or confirmation of medication	$44.00	-	$44.00
Letter to third party	Varies	-	Varies

	Yes	No
Have you ever been diagnosed with any major mental condition such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar Affective Disorder?
Have you been diagnosed with personality Disorder?
Have you ever been diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and currently experiencing problems maintaining weight?
Have you ever attempted suicide?
Have you been admitted to a psychiatric hospital?
Have you ever received treatment for substance use
Do you currently use any illicit substances, including cannabis prescribed and non-prescribed?
In the last 12 months, have you been taking medication for ADHD?
Do you drink alcohol excessively?
Do you have history of violence or legal problems?
Is anyone from your family attending Mind and Brain Clinic?

	Yes	No
Have you had TMS before?
Are you aged 18 or above?
Have you been diagnosed with Depression?
Have you ever been treated with antidepressants?
Have you ever had psychological treatment?
Have you ever received treatment for substance use
Have you ever been diagnosed with Epilepsy?

🧠 ADHD Glossary: Plain-Language Guide for Patients

M&B Form 029 Letter Request

M&B Form 028 Document Upload

M&B Form 027 Script Request

M&B Form 004 - Preauthorization

M&B Form 003 Registration

ADHD Assessment and Treatment Process

Step 1 – Intake Appointment with Psychologist (In-Clinic)

Step 2 – Rating Scales, Questionnaires, and Urine Drug Screening

Step 3 – Psychiatrist Appointment (In-Clinic)

Follow-Up Appointments

Fees

Adult Autism Assessment

1. Purpose of the Assessment

2. Assessment Components

3. Referral Requirements

4. Guidelines and Best Practice

5. Duration and Cost

6. Outcomes

Combined Autism (ASD) and ADHD Assessment

Financial Disclosure

ADHD Assessment Fee Schedule

7. Payment Summary

Combined Assessment Fee Schedule

Patient Consent to Collect & Disclose Information

Collection

Use and Disclosure

Access

M&B Form 002 Referral Upload

GP Details

Questionairre

M&B Form 030 Appointment Request