Reform was delayed from mid-last year until now because of concerns over supply issues affecting ADHD medication, methylphenidate.
The extended timeframe also aimed to give practitioners more time to develop clinical expertise.
One such practitioner is Whangārei’s Dr Melissa Gilbert, who runs a private practice focusing on perimenopause and menopause.
Working in private practice allowed her the time to take a comprehensive approach to her work, she said.
“For many, hormonal change appeared to unmask long-standing neurodivergent traits that had previously been compensated for.”
She described a “significant” response from patients after deciding to offer assessments.
Gilbert’s admin tasks had also grown “exponentially” since last week’s changes.
“Many describe a sense of relief, not because of a label alone, but because their lifelong experience finally makes sense in context rather than being framed purely as anxiety, stress, or not coping.”
She felt for general practices that were navigating the change.
“It’s about capacity ... most GPs are struggling to have enough five-minute appointments available.”
ADHD assessments generally took between 90 minutes and three hours, sometimes spread over several appointments.
“Changing legislation doesn’t magically produce capacity,” Gilbert said.
Her concerns were echoed by Bush Road Medical Centre’s Dr Geoff Cunningham.
He questioned how the region’s GPs would have time to undertake what he described as “extensive” training.
According to the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, those who develop “further expertise in ADHD” would be able to diagnose the condition, providing they are competent in ADHD assessment and care.
Cunningham worried the changes placed pressure on already stretched services where time was limited.
“Very few GPs have got the capacity to be taking on this extra work.”
They were already “overwhelmed” with core general practice work within Northland’s high-needs population, he said.
Cunningham pointed out concerns also remained over supply and demand of ADHD medication.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners said over time, the changes were expected to improve access to ADHD treatment.
In a guidance document released in December, it stated that local ways of working could vary.
“Primary care providers may seek to refer complex cases to specialists at the local level, or establish local supervision arrangements.”
It advised GPs should not feel obliged to provide assessment and initiation of treatment.
“GPs can continue to refer patients to private psychiatrists and, in time, to other GPs in their area who are offering this service.”
Ministry of Health guidelines say those wanting an ADHD assessment should first approach their GP.
“Your general practice is still your first port of call as they will know what services are available in your area.
“These services will not be available everywhere overnight, and not every GP will take this up, but for people seeking ADHD treatment, more pathways will be available.”
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
