Pamela feels lucky she got an ADHD diagnosis when demand was lower; she’s heard of people paying upwards of $1,000 for a diagnosis in Christchurch more recently. The report from the clinical psychologist was sent to a psychiatrist, who had the special access number required to prescribe ADHD medication. Pamela’s process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis is pretty standard for adults. Only psychiatrists and paediatricians can initiate prescribing ADHD medication, but GPs and NPs (nurse practitioners) can continue prescribing on written recommendation from the specialist who initiated. There’s also a global shortage of ADHD medication, one reason Pharmac delayed the prescribing changes until 2026.