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Keen to hear what other adults with ADHD said in our survey?

We had an overwhelming response to our survey of adults with ADHD (conducted in October 2021) - thanks to all of you who responded.

Some of the responses were in keeping with what our community have already conveyed to us.

However this data has informed our strategy for the next five years, and supports our activity in helping our ADHD community.
Views about ADHD
60% of respondents started their journey for getting a diagnosis for ADHD without involving their General Practitioner (GP).

​There were numerous mentions of getting a diagnosis and support from social channels such as Tik Tok.
How did you first become aware that you might have ADHD?
We're not surprised that only 6.65% of adults were diagnosed with ADHD as a child. It's only over the last decade that the medical and educational communities have become more informed about ADHD.

Key reasons that were cited to leading respondents to suspect they have ADHD is having other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or having a child that was diagnosed with ADHD.
The top two challenges in having ADHD
These results are in keeping with the symptoms of having ADHD.

Other challenges that adults with ADHD highlighted included executive dysfunction, disorganisation, fidgeting, starting a task, motivation to finish.
Waiting time for an ADHD assessment or diagnosis
The median wait time between respondents getting a referral from their GP and seeing a specialist was about three months.

There was also an indication that getting an assessment through the public health system was slightly quicker than going private.
Problems with getting an ADHD prescription
Nearly half of all respondents reported having problems while getting their prescriptions.

​It was revealed to us that the biggest barrier to getting a prescription for ADHD medication was that GPs and pharmacists don't understand the process for getting a Special Authority. 

One comment that stood out for us was "So. Much. Paperwork. It’s almost cruel how the condition you’re seeking help for is locked behind doing the one thing you’re diagnosed to be bad at.”
Alternative support sourced by adults with ADHD
Except for the 'other 9%' females were more likely to solicit the various avenues of support that are highlighted above. 

​Other types of support included scheduling apps, life coaches, coffee and coke and Tik Tok.


​
If you'd like to chat to us about our survey and these results, please contact us.

Brett's blog:
​Brett's blog: "Am I giving myself enough credit?"
Callum McKirdy on You, Me and ADHD
Callum McKirdy on You, Me and ADHD
ADHD NZ in NZH: How workplaces can help neurodiverse workers thrive
ADHD NZ in NZH: How workplaces can help neurodiverse workers thrive
The material on our website is provided for educational purposes only. Your use of our website is governed by our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer. We are a not-for-profit organisation that can provide you with ongoing support in your ADHD journey. However, we do not provide medical advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Your GP can recommend a suitable healthcare professional to you.

What's ADHD?

Adults with ADHD
​Children and teens with ADHD
​ADHD is more common than you think
Why it's good to have ADHD
​Inspiring stories from people who have ADHD
​
News and research

Have you got ADHD?

Think you're an adult with ADHD?
Think your child has ADHD?
How to get a diagnosis for ADHD

Getting an assessment and diagnosis of ADHD
Self-screening tool for adults with ADHD
Co-morbidities
​
FAQs

Succeed with ADHD

Find healthcare professionals near you
The different types of healthcare professionals
Managing ADHD
Families living with ADHD
​Tips on how to support children with ADHD
ADHD in schools
ADHD in tertiary education organisations
​
Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
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ADHD anti-depressant medication

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  • What is ADHD?
    • Adults with ADHD
    • Children and teens with ADHD
    • ADHD is more common than you think
    • Why it's good to have ADHD
    • Inspiring stories from people with ADHD
    • News and Research on ADHD
  • Have you got ADHD?
    • Think you're an adult with ADHD?
    • Think your child has ADHD?
    • How to get a diagnosis for ADHD >
      • Getting an assessment and diagnosis for ADHD
      • Self screening assessment tool for adults who suspect that they have ADHD​
    • Co-Morbidities
    • FAQs
  • Succeed with ADHD
    • Access ADHD Healthcare Professionals >
      • The Different Types of Healthcare Professionals
    • Managing ADHD >
      • Families living with ADHD >
        • Tips on how to support children with ADHD
        • Parent Support is a Phone Call Away
      • ADHD in schools
      • ADHD in tertiary education organisations >
        • FAQs for staff at tertiary education organisations
        • Feedback from staff at tertiary education organisations
      • Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
    • ADHD Medication >
      • ADHD Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Non-Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Anti-Depressant Medication
    • ADHD Support Organisations
    • Become a financial member of ADHD NZ >
      • ADHD Wellington
      • Events and promotions
      • Vlogs, blogs and ADHD news
  • About Us
    • ADHD NZ 2021: past, present and future
    • Our People
    • Help Us By Volunteering
    • Contact Us
    • Sponsors
    • ADHD Ambassador