So you've had an ADHD assessment. Where to from here?
Congratulations! You’ve got your assessment or diagnosis.
Whether you have a formal diagnosis, or it’s still on the horizon, we're committed to supporting you through every step of this significant discovery.
Activating your support: Beyond the assessment
An ADHD assessment is a positive start, but it may also highlight challenges.
An adult ADHD diagnosis can often trigger a mixed array of emotions in people. For some it’s a relief to understand why they are the way they are. For others it could be a process of grief.
Even if you knew the diagnosis was coming, it may feel like an emotional rollercoaster. This might involve reflecting on "who could I have been" if the diagnosis had come earlier; “how do I manage this”, or “what now”.
Medication and education: Pills and skills
Medication can be incredibly helpful, but it doesn't make ADHD simply disappear.
It’s not a cure, but medication can make it significantly easier to manage the challenges of ADHD, clearing the path to develop skills.
How to get ADHD medication
In NZ, ADHD medication is only available with a Pharmac issued special authority. These can only be granted following a diagnosis by a psychiatrist, paediatrician or neurologist, and from 1 February 2026, specially trained GPs and NPs. (Until February 2026, some GP’s and NP’s can assess, diagnose and initiate a special authority with psychiatric oversight).
You will likely have follow-up appointments to find the right medication and dose for your body. This process is called titration and may be completed by the diagnosing practitioner, or in consultation with a GP or NP.
Ongoing medication management may be handled by your GP or NP for repeat prescriptions and periodic check-ins (e.g. 15-minute video consults every six months).
Pairing medication with skills
Medication alone isn’t enough to manage ADHD.
For example, medication can help you focus, but it doesn’t dictate what you focus on. It can, however, make it easier for you to develop skills to support your growth.
Long-term wins come from understanding how to make life easier.
Your next steps: Embracing support
At Beehyve, we believe in empowering you with choices. These supports are beneficial even if you don’t yet have a formal diagnosis.
Intro to ADHD Groups
Our You, We & ADHD group sessions are an amazing introduction to ADHD whether you're recently diagnosed or not. They support you to learn about your flavour of ADHD, how to use this understanding to grow, and meet others at a similar stage so you may feel understood and supported.
Group programmes:
Run for six weeks, with a session once a week.
Cost less than one-on-one coaching.
Provide a safe space to learn what ADHD is and how it affects you.
Offer a chance to reframe challenges.
Coaching
ADHD coaches can help you:
Develop strategies and insights, whether you’re on medication or not.
Build practical tools to manage your ADHD.
With things like rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). People with ADHD can have a strong sensitivity to rejection, which may lead to withdrawing from situations. Over a lifetime, being repetitively rejected can create shame and unhealed emotional wounds.
Therapy
Therapy offers a supportive space to explore and process your emotions, helping you navigate feelings related to your ADHD and life experiences.
Take a look at Beehyve Health’s recommended resources for education and coaching.
