Diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Te Whatu Ora released a new national framework for the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand in July 2025. These changes, effective from February 2026, aim to improve access to care while ensuring that ADHD assessments and prescribing are safe, evidence-based, and consistent nationwide.

Media coverage and public discussions have led to confusion regarding these changes. Many have interpreted the announcement as allowing a quick assessment and stimulant medication prescription from their regular GP.

At the current time none of the GPs at Papanui Medical Centre provide ADHD assessments given they haven’t undertaking further training in this area.

We will continue with our current practice and will provide patients with infromation and referrals to external providers of these services.