Adult ADHD Medication on the Rise in New Zealand

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A rise in ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) diagnoses in New Zealand adults between 2006-2022 has been reported via a survey of pharmacists who dispense treatment, with the trend being put down to a growing awareness of the disease and its symptoms, experts say.

An estimated 2.58 percent of the adult population, or around 167,000 are afflicted, and results detail that only 0.6 percent of those are on medication.

A study by researchers from the University of Otago, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, looked at the prescriptions of 70,000 people via dispensing data from pharmaceutical collection and found a ten-fold increase in dispensing rates for key treatment drugs methylphenidate and atomoxetine.

Researchers Ben Beaglehole, Stephen Jarman, and Chris Frampton from the University of Otago found that along with the huge rise in adult prescriptions, children had also increased threefold from 566 per 100,000 in 2006 to 1,722 per 100,000 in 2022.

This equates to 1.72 percent of all children, but estimates are that as many as 5 percent are affected.

The data includes treatment for persisting childhood ADHD and new diagnoses made in adulthood. It also showed that more men are receiving treatment than women.

Adult ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder. Billion Photos/Shutterstock

Barriers to Diagnosis, Treatment

Currently, in New Zealand, treatment is by drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Only specialists, which include paediatricians and psychiatrists can write prescriptions, which are required to be updated every two years causing many diagnoses to fall out of the scope of the family GP.

Cost is also a factor, with investigation and treatment options costing upwards of $2,000 (US$1,200) to attain a diagnosis from a specialist.

Senior supervising clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland, of the Victoria University of Wellington, said there were substantial barriers to people getting an accurate diagnosis which contributed to them not knowing they have ADHD.

“Obtaining a thorough assessment for ADHD is a lengthy and often costly process with many people going through private healthcare routes to obtain a diagnosis,” Mr. Sutherland told The Press.

“There are many anecdotal examples of people seeking ADHD services being declined access in the public mental health service due to a shrinking workforce focusing only on the most immediate and urgent presentations.”

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning and development.

It is considered to be underdiagnosed internationally and the rise in adult diagnoses reflects a growing recognition of the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

Increased awareness and understanding of adult ADHD are important for ensuring that individuals receive appropriate support and treatment.

Inattention symptoms include:

• Difficulty focusing on tasks or activities, including conversations, and instructions
• Forgetfulness in daily activities
• Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
• Difficulty organizing tasks and completing work on time

Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms include:

• Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty sitting still
• Impulsive behaviours, such as speaking out of turn or interrupting others
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it can persist into adolescence and adulthood. The exact cause is not known, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.