New Zealand Herald health reporter Isaac Davison shares some interesting ADHD updates.
Read full New Zealand Herald article here (Premium, pay to read) but some key takeaways include:
On Waiting Times?
- Adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis in New Zealand continues to increase, especially women. This spike is being experienced world-wide, not just localised to New Zealand.
- While waiting times vary, some adults are waiting more than 12 months for an assessment through private practices. Other specialists aren’t not taking on new patients due to appointment availability – the books are simply full.
- For a child ADHD assessment, paediatricians and child psychiatrists are also stretched, with some regions waiting up to 2 years for an appointment.
On Review of the Assessment and Dispensary Process?
- Advocacy groups and medical specialists (including doctors and health officials) are looking at possible solutions, including GP training to enable them to diagnose and treat ADHD.
- Currently only psychiatrists can prescribe ADHD medication so an amendment to the Medical Gazette would be required.
- Pharmac is looking to review the 2-year renewal ‘special authority number’ so as to delegate GPs, freeing up psychiatrists’ time.
On My Comments?
It is always lovely to be asked to comment by media. Read full New Zealand Herald article here but some extracts include …
On what hyperactivity feels like for me personally:
She described her condition as “internalised hyperactivity”, with “a million thoughts in my head”, endless to-do lists, impulsiveness, and a constant need to move. She was walking in circles in the garden during her interview with the Herald.
On the long waiting lists for many:
“I feel for many women. I know it’s a political thing but damn, they really, really need help. And waiting for six to 12 months for an assessment is the worst thing for them.
“Because… you don’t get a golden ticket once you get a diagnosis and walk away and live happily ever after. There’s a lot of work to do after that, but it’s the first step, and I think that first step is so important.”