New Zealand ADHD GP services still uneven despite rule change

In February, New Zealand granted GPs the authority to assess, diagnose and prescribe ADHD treatment, a role formerly held by psychiatrists whose appointments were costly and slow. Six months later, only a minority of doctors—estimated at 15 to 20 percent—have incorporated ADHD services, creating a postcode lottery for patients. Many clinics still publicly state they lack the necessary expertise, while those that do offer care differ in scope, with some providing full assessment to prescription and others merely handling medication refills.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners' special interest group now counts more than 500 members, aiming to build capacity, yet regions such as Northland remain under-staffed. Clinical psychologist Tania Davidson, who relocated to the Bay of Islands to address service gaps, reports limited uptake of her offer to assist GP clinics with assessments. Early adopters like Adam Currie praise the convenience of three-month repeat prescriptions and note improved concentration, but broader geographic disparities persist.