ADHD Diagnosis, Medication and When a New Assessment is Required

Information for patients of our practice (Australia, 2026)

Does an ADHD diagnosis expire?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, and a diagnosis does not usually expire. What is strictly regulated, however, is the prescribing of stimulant medication (Schedule 8 medicines). The exact requirements depend on the state and the individual clinical situation. In our practice, the following principles apply.

ADHD: new assessment or review? If you were not diagnosed by an Australian psychiatrist or paediatrician, a full new assessment is usually needed. If you were, but no longer have your original diagnostic report, a full new assessment is usually needed. If medication was stopped for about 2 years or longer without ongoing specialist care, a full new assessment is usually needed (item 291 referral). Otherwise a review appointment is usually enough, also when moving from a paediatrician. The treating psychiatrist makes the final decision.

When is a full new assessment required?

If your ADHD was not diagnosed by an Australian psychiatrist or paediatrician (for example, if you were diagnosed overseas), a full new assessment is generally required.

After a longer break from medication — in our practice, usually from around 2 years without ongoing specialist care and without medication — a full new assessment is generally required, not just a standard review appointment.

Why is a new assessment needed after a longer break?

  • Stimulant medications are subject to strict state regulations (Schedule 8).
  • After a prolonged break, we need to clinically reassess whether medication is still safe and indicated. This includes cardiovascular status, current mental health, possible new comorbidities, substance use, and current level of functioning.
  • Simply continuing “as before” is often not sufficient under regulatory and clinical standards.
  • Without current and adequate documentation, a doctor cannot restart stimulant medication.

A full assessment typically includes a comprehensive history, review of diagnostic criteria, current functional impairment, differential diagnosis, and necessary safety investigations. It is more thorough and more extensive than a routine review for patients who remain in ongoing, stable treatment.

What applies for shorter breaks or ongoing care?

If the medication was paused only briefly and you continued regular reviews with us, a full new assessment is usually not required. In these cases we can generally restart medication as part of a normal review appointment.

What other situations may require a new or expanded assessment?

  • Transition from child/adolescent to adult care — paediatric diagnoses and prescribing authorities usually only apply up to a certain age. If your original diagnosis documents are available and your medication hasn’t been stopped for around 2 years or longer, a review appointment is usually enough — significantly more affordable than a full new assessment. See our Fees & Medicare page.
  • Missing or incomplete original diagnostic report.
  • Complex current clinical situation (e.g. new comorbidities or safety concerns).

Our recommendations to you

  • Keep your detailed diagnostic report and all previous review letters in a safe place.
  • Contact us early if you are planning a longer break from medication or have already had one.
  • Bring all available documents to every appointment.

Regulations continue to differ between Australian states and territories and are evolving. The final decision on whether a full assessment or a review is appropriate is always made by the treating psychiatrist based on the current clinical situation and regulatory requirements.

Questions about your personal situation?

Please send us your documents and get in touch — we are happy to advise you individually and transparently.

Individual questions like this need careful consideration, so please allow 1–2 weeks for a considered response. Straightforward bookings aren’t affected — there’s no wait time for those.

Wondering about fees and Medicare rebates, or the referral your GP needs? See our Fees & Medicare and Booking & Referrals pages.

Not diagnosed yet? Start with our free ADHD self-assessment.

Ready to book? See Your Pathway to Care.

Sources and further reading

Trusted Australian sources on ADHD diagnosis, treatment and Medicare:

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