There's hope and relief from the ADHD community over prescription rule changes to improve treatment access. 

From February, GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe treatments from the outset - without a specialist recommendation. 

Wait times for specialist appointments vary, but can be over a year. 

ADHD NZ spokesperson Darrin Bull says over-diagnosis can be a concern, but these changes will still be enforced by medical professionals. 

"We're comfortable that the benefits of such a change outweighs the risks of some overdiagnoses - but the training is essential."

LISTEN ABOVE

There's hope and relief from the ADHD community over prescription rule changes to improve treatment access.&nbsp;
From February, GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe treatments from the outset - without a specialist recommendation.&nbsp;
Wait times for specialist appointments vary, but can be over a year.&nbsp;
ADHD NZ spokesperson Darrin Bull says over-diagnosis can be a concern, but these changes will still be enforced by medical professionals.&nbsp;
"We're comfortable that the benefits of such a change outweighs the risks of some overdiagnoses - but the training is essential."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Darrin Bull: ADHD NZ spokesperson on GPs being able to diagnose and treat ADHD in 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c24b3973-6bde-4a59-87a7-b3060062f833/transcript