New Zealanders with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are expected to have faster access to diagnosis and treatment following changes announced today.

Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said the changes would reduce long wait times and barriers that had made it difficult for people to get support.

“For too long, people with ADHD have faced long wait times and difficulties getting a diagnosis and treatment because access was limited to specialist services,” Doocey said.

The changes mean specialist general practitioners and nurse practitioners can now diagnose ADHD and start treatment for adults aged 18 and over.

For children and teenagers under 18, specialist services will continue to lead assessments. However, nurse practitioners working in paediatric or child and adolescent mental health teams can now diagnose ADHD and begin treatment.

Before today, GPs and nurse practitioners were only able to prescribe ADHD medication after receiving a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or once a patient had already been diagnosed and received their first prescription.

Doocey said the changes reflected the reality that many primary care clinicians were already closely involved in ADHD care.

“We know there are a number of our GPs and nurse practitioners who are already working closely with psychiatrists to treat ADHD, so they already have the skills to manage this work,” he said.

He said earlier access to treatment could have a significant impact on people’s lives.

“ADHD treatment can be life changing for many people. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have significant impacts on education, employment, relationships, and overall mental health. With more options available, we can help connect people with the right support earlier,” Doocey said.

The prescribing changes follow decisions by Medsafe and Pharmac to widen access to ADHD medicines. Pharmac has also removed the two year renewal requirement for special authorities needed to access funded stimulant medicines and has funded a new ADHD medication.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this decision will have on many people’s lives. This really will be a game changer for many,” Doocey said.

The Ministry of Health said only clinicians who choose to work in ADHD care will provide assessment and treatment, with services expected to develop gradually over time. Costs may vary depending on the type of service and local arrangements.