Understanding adult ADHD assessments in New Zealand
All about adult ADHD diagnoses and tests
ADHD is more common than you may think. In New Zealand, it's estimated that 280,000 people have ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While it’s believed 5-8% of children and adolescents globally are living with ADHD, adults are more likely to be undiagnosed.
If you’ve been finding it hard to concentrate at work, feeling constantly restless, or you recently had a child or family member diagnosed with ADHD, you may be wondering if you could have ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It’s important to remember that how ADHD presents can differ from one person to the next. Not all of the patterns mentioned may show up and how they do can change over time.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD to look out for
Symptoms can vary widely but typically include difficulties in staying focused, organising tasks, and controlling impulses. These are often tell-tale symptoms for men, but ADHD can be harder to recognise in women. It’s estimated that about 5% of the New Zealand population have ADHD, but only 1-2% are diagnosed, with an even lower amount being women. While a young boy with ADHD may appear hyperactive, fidgety or disruptive, a young girl with ADHD may show subtle symptoms like daydreaming or inattentiveness. This is why ADHD in adult women is typically not diagnosed until later in life, when difficulties with organisation, a child being diagnosed, or even menopause, may heighten symptoms and alert the possibility of ADHD.
While you may be tempted to self-diagnose after recognising these traits, a professional evaluation is important for both a clear and accurate diagnosis and best understanding of pathways. However, this can be easier said than done.
How to get an ADHD assessment
Getting an ADHD assessment in New Zealand involves a few steps:
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See your GP: They can provide an initial evaluation and will refer you to a specialist for an official diagnosis if necessary. Your GP can refer you to a specialist in the public health system which might involve a wait but is free of charge.
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Choosing between public and private: There are two main pathways for an ADHD assessment: public or private. Going through the public health system is cost-free but might involve a long wait time (roughly 6 months to a year as some people are experiencing). Using a private specialist could be quicker but comes with a cost.
Visiting a specialist for an ADHD assessment can sometimes be pricey. However, private health insurance can ease this financial burden. nib provides Mental Health cover as part of our Everyday Cover, that can be used by eligible members towards seeing a New Zealand registered psychologist or psychiatrist. You’ll get back 60% of eligible costs, up to $350 with Standard Everyday Cover, or 80% of eligible costs, up to $500 with Premium Everyday Cover in your policy year with a standdown period of 6 months.
How do doctors test adults for ADHD?
When it comes to getting an adult ADHD assessment, medical professionals (whether psychiatrists, neurologists or clinical psychologists) use a variety of tools and techniques:
- ADHD rating questionnaires: These psychometric tools help evaluate the presence of ADHD symptoms and their severity.
- Cognitive assessments: These assess cognitive strengths, weaknesses, and IQ.
- Mental health screeners: These broad questionnaires help identify other potential issues.
- Neuropsychological assessments: These functional tests focus on attention systems and executive functioning.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis and treatment
Once the assessment is complete, the specialist will discuss their findings with you. Especially as an adult, being diagnosed with ADHD can be a huge relief, providing clarity on why you’ve experienced certain challenges in the past.
Although ADHD cannot be ‘cured’, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment goals typically include enhancing attention, executive functions, and emotional regulation. Treatment may involve medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes tailored to your specific needs.
Even if you might identify with some ADHD’s symptoms and while a number of online ‘assessment’ sites exist, it’s important to be cautious with self-diagnosis. Relying on unofficial online information or casual observations from others can be misleading. ADHD shares symptoms with many other conditions, such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders, making it difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms without professional help. If an ADHD assessment and diagnosis is something on your mind, take the first step and talk to your GP. You can also check out some helpful free resources about ADHD below:
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand