Adult ADHD Assessment

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means that if you have ADHD, there are differences in the parts of your brain which control your ability to plan, organise and focus compared to those without it.

ADHD affects about 1 in 20 adults – that’s about 280,000 New Zealanders.

The key symptoms of ADHD are:

• Difficulty paying attention (e.g., to conversations or workplace tasks)
• Hyperactivity (e.g., fidgeting or being unable to sit still, talking or thinking a lot)
• Impulsivity (e.g., interrupting conversations, difficulty waiting in line)

What you need to know

• Worried about ADHD? You can see your GP, and they can help you navigate to an assessment.
• ADHD is a complex condition that requires time and care to diagnose properly.
• ADHD assessments cannot be done during a standard 15-minute appointment.
• ADHD assessments require longer appointments with a doctor with special training in ADHD. This thorough consultation ensures the right diagnosis and treatment.
• Due to the length of the consultation, ADHD assessments cost more than a usual GP appointment. The clinicians follow a national clinical framework to ensure safe, high-quality care.
• A specialist GP appointment may not always be necessary. Following the nurse or HIP (Health Improvement Practitioner) assessment, an alternative diagnosis to ADHD (such as PTSD) may be identified, in which case you will be referred back to your usual GP.
• Medication is not the only way of managing ADHD; however, some do find medications beneficial in managing their symptoms day to day. The doctor can discuss these options with you.
• For children and young people under the age of 18, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD involves paediatric or psychiatry specialists or multidisciplinary teams.

How do I get an ADHD assessment?

ADHD assessments are available at selected The Doctors medical centres. The process depends on where you live and which service you access.

Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne (In-person assessments only)

ADHD assessments are available at:
•    The Doctors Napier
•    The Doctors Ahuriri
•    The Doctors Greenmeadows

If you live in a neighbouring region, you’re welcome to travel to one of these medical centres for your assessment. Visit the relevant medical centre page for more information.

Te Waipounamu South Island (In-person and online assessments)

ADHD assessments are available through:
•    The Doctors Richmond, Nelson, in partnership with The Doctors Whakatipu
•    The Doctors Whakatipu Frankton and The Doctors Whakatipu Shotover, Queenstown

The Doctors Whakatipu Frankton and Shotover offer online assessments and accept referrals from The Doctors clinics across New Zealand. You don’t need to live in Queenstown to access this service.

How to get started, either:

1. Talk to your GP

Book an appointment with your usual GP to discuss your concerns and whether an ADHD assessment may be right for you. Your GP can help you access the service online.

2. Contact one of our clinics offering ADHD services 

Contact our Hawkes Bay or Gisborne clinics directly if you would like to get in-person assessments there.

You can also email the team at admins@wkt.thedoctors.co.nz for information about accessing an assessment online through The Doctors Whakatipu Frankton or Shotover.

What’s the assessment process?

An ADHD assessment involves several steps to help our care team understand your symptoms, your health and how these may affect your daily life.

1. Initial checks and questionnaires

You’ll have an initial appointment with a nurse or Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP). As part of the assessment, you’ll complete ADHD questionnaires and have physical measurements taken. An ECG (electrocardiogram) is also required. 

If your appointment is online, you’ll need to visit your usual GP clinic to have your ECG and any required physical checks completed. Your care team may also ask you to have blood tests.

2. Review by the care team

Our ADHD care team will review the information gathered during your initial assessment to determine the appropriate next steps. A specialist ADHD GP appointment may be recommended if further assessment is needed.

An appointment with a specialist ADHD GP isn’t always necessary. Your initial assessment may identify another explanation for your symptoms, such as PTSD, in which case you may be referred back to your usual GP for further support.

3. Assessment with a specialist ADHD GP

If a further assessment is recommended, you’ll have a consultation with a specialist ADHD GP. They’ll discuss your current symptoms, lifelong behavioural traits and how these may affect different areas of your life, including work, study and relationships.

This helps the doctor determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and discuss appropriate options for care.

4. Ongoing care and support

If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, your care team can help arrange follow-up appointments and discuss the support that may be right for you.

Your usual GP can help monitor your medication and overall health, and refer you for additional behavioural or therapeutic support to develop practical strategies for everyday life.

How much will it cost?

ADHD is a complex condition and requires longer appointments with specially trained GPs. These assessments are not the same as a general consultation with a GP and do not fall under standard general practice services. 

This means it does not receive government subsidies, and the fees are higher than normal GP visits.
ADHD assessment fees vary between our medical centres and regions. 

The costs listed below are intended as a guide only and may not reflect the exact cost of your assessment. Depending on your individual circumstances and clinical requirements, additional fees may apply for certain assessment components or follow-up services.

• An initial nurse or Health Improvement Practitioner appointment (From $250)
• Assessment with an ADHD specialist GP (From $550 to $900)
• Review and follow-up appointments as required (From $75)

To find out exact pricing for each medical centre, please visit the relevant medical centre page. 

Find out more

• ADHD in Adults – Healthify
• ADHD NZ
• ADDitude