The Psychology Group
ADHD Assessments
WHAT IS ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages, from children to adults.
While it's often associated with challenges in attention and hyperactivity, ADHD is a multifaceted condition that extends beyond these surface-level traits.
The Three Core Symptoms:
Inattention: Individuals may struggle with maintaining focus on tasks, frequently becoming easily distracted or forgetful. They might find it challenging to organise activities, manage time effectively, and sustain attention to details.
Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity is often observed as restlessness, fidgeting, or an inability to remain still. While hyperactivity is more evident in children, it can also be present in adults, albeit in a more subdued manner.
Impulsivity: Impulsivity can lead to hasty decision-making and difficulties in considering the consequences of actions. This trait might result in interrupting conversations, impulsive purchases, or taking unnecessary risks.
Beyond these core symptoms, ADHD can affect executive functions, which encompass a range of cognitive processes that allow us to plan, organise, focus, remember details, and manage time. Difficulties in executive functioning can lead to challenges in daily activities, academic performance, work-related tasks, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Living with ADHD can present a myriad of challenges. From struggling to complete assignments on time to experiencing social difficulties due to impulsivity, individuals with ADHD may find themselves facing barriers that others might not fully comprehend. This can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
Accurate diagnosis of ADHD involves a comprehensive assessment that considers medical history, behavioural observations, and, in some cases, psychological testing. Once diagnosed, a tailored treatment plan can be developed. This plan might include behavioural interventions, psychoeducation, and in some cases, medication.
Pathway for ADHD Diagnosis
FAQ
Navigating ADHD medication and treatment options can feel confusing, especially when multiple professionals and systems are involved. This FAQ has been developed to answer the most common questions we receive and to help reduce delays or misunderstandings.
If your query still isn’t addressed here, feel free to contact our friendly admin team. However, please note they are not medically trained and cannot provide clinical advice or make decisions about your care.
ADHD Assessment and Medication Appointments
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A psychiatrist is a fully qualified medical doctor who has undertaken specialist training in mental health. In New Zealand, psychiatrists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe all medications (including controlled substances like ADHD medications), and manage complex cases where co-occurring concerns may be present (such as anxiety, depression, or trauma).
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Nurse Practitioners (NP) are registered nurse who has completed advanced clinical training, typically including a Master’s degree. Mental Health NPs are endorsed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand to independently assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications for mental health conditions — including ADHD — within their defined scope. They are authorised to prescribe stimulant medications following a written recommendation from a specialist (e.g. psychiatrist or paediatrician).
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Following your ADHD assessment, your clinician will advise whether a psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner is the most appropriate person to complete your medical review. You will then attend two appointments:
An initial consultation to discuss medication options and issue the first prescription
A second follow-up to check in on dosage, tolerability, and effectiveness
After this, if your medication has been safely established, you will be discharged to your GP for ongoing prescribing and monitoring.
Understanding Who’s Involved
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No. ADHD medications are controlled substances in New Zealand and require active clinical oversight. For your safety, prescriptions will only be issued following a scheduled appointment with your prescribing clinician.
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Any changes to your medication must be made through a booked medical review with your prescribing clinician. These decisions cannot be made via email, phone, or through administrative staff.
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Most clients are reviewed once following the medication initiation phase. Once your medication is stable, you will be transitioned to your GP for ongoing management. If you remain under our care, you must still attend regular reviews.
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After your first consultation, you will have a second follow-up appointment with the prescribing clinician. This is a crucial step to confirm that the dosage is right and that you are responding well to the medication. Once that follow-up is complete, and if everything is going well, your care will be handed over to your GP. They will then be responsible for issuing repeat prescriptions and reviewing your treatment as needed.
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Yes. Under current New Zealand regulations and following recent changes to the Special Authority process, your GP can continue prescribing ADHD medications once your specialist or nurse practitioner has completed the initial prescribing process and you’ve been formally discharged to primary care.
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If you have been discharged to your GP, please contact them directly for refills. If you are still under our prescribing team, you will need to have a follow-up appointment scheduled. We cannot issue urgent prescriptions without a clinical review. It is your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient medication by booking reviews in advance.
Medication, Scripts, and Reviews
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We strongly recommend booking your review appointments 8–10 weeks in advance. Our team would generally have this planned for your following assessment. This ensures continuity of care and prevents gaps in medication. Our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners have limited capacity and may also be supporting other clinical teams. Waiting times of 6–8 weeks are not uncommon, especially during periods of clinician leave or high demand.
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Unfortunately, due to clinician availability, we are not able to guarantee urgent appointments. While we do our best to accommodate where possible, we ask that clients plan ahead to avoid medication disruptions. If you are running low and haven’t yet seen your clinician, you may not be able to receive a refill until your next review.
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We ask that adult clients take an active role in managing their own appointments wherever possible. If someone is helping you coordinate care, please ensure you’ve given them permission to liaise with our team on your behalf.
Appointments and Wait Times
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A Special Authority is a funding approval granted by PHARMAC that allows certain medications to be subsidised. For ADHD medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) or dexamphetamine, Special Authority is needed before a prescription can be filled.
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As of 1 December 2024, PHARMAC has removed the requirement for ongoing renewals of Special Authority approvals for ADHD stimulant medications. This means that once a client has been granted Special Authority through a specialist, the approval remains valid indefinitely for that individual medication, provided it remains clinically appropriate.
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This change simplifies the long-term management of ADHD. Once your medication is initiated by a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner and the Special Authority is approved, your GP can continue to prescribe it without needing repeat authorisations from the specialist. It helps reduce wait times and unnecessary referrals back to secondary services.
Special Authority and Prescription Rules
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Please let your prescribing clinician know at your follow-up appointment. Everyone responds differently, and finding the right medication and dosage can take time. Your clinician will work with you to monitor side effects and adjust if needed
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We recommend caution when seeking medical advice from social media, online forums, or non-professional sources. Always check with a registered healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment.
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Medication can be a helpful part of ADHD treatment, especially for improving focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. However, therapy can support additional areas like executive functioning, self-esteem, mood, and relationships. Speak to your clinician to seek recommendation.
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No. All prescriptions require a formal appointment. We cannot issue medication on the spot or outside of an appointment, as this is against medical best practice and legal guidelines.
Common Questions
Final Reminders
Book your appointments early — ideally 8 – 10 weeks in advance
Medication changes and refills must be discussed during reviews
After your second follow-up, we will discharge you to your GP for future care
Your GP can then issue prescriptions if your treatment remains appropriate
Always plan ahead, especially around holidays and clinician availability