News GPs can soon prescribe ADHD medication from the outset is being hailed as a community breakthrough.  

From February, GPs can offer a patient stimulant medications without them needing a specialist recommendation first.  

Specialist wait times vary across the country, but can surpass a year.  

ADHD NZ spokesperson Darrin Bull New Zealand has a major underdiagnosis issue, with only 2.2% of the population diagnosed with ADHD, compared to the 4-5% overseas. 

He says this change will give the community access to the help and support they need, and provide greater access to medication. 

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