I was pleased to be approached by RNZ reporter Ruth Hill, to share my thoughts. It’s a growing topic of conversation – should GPs be allowed to prescribe ADHD medication?
A great read, it brings us up to speed on the current events relating to ADHD in New Zealand:
- the Otago University research findings highlighting a gap in those adults medicated vs unmedicated for ADHD
- the large hui at Parliament regarding the challenges faced in relation to ADHD assessments and access to medication
As you may be aware, not only are the waiting lists in New Zealand extreme, every two years a re-assessment process is required in order to continue prescribing ADHD stimulant medication to individuals. Currently, this medication can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist (for adults) adding to the already weighty demands on psychiatrists nationwide, along with the financial challenges for patients – often costing more than $1,000 for each reassessment.
The hui in particular was attended by a large range medical professionals and representative organisations, MPs and government departments such as Corrections and NZ Police – the ‘coming together of minds’ in order to address a large issue facing many New Zealanders.
“Pharmac is considering removing or amending the two-year renewal criteria for ADHD treatments. Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes said the drug-funding agency hoped to have a proposal for public consultation in the second half of the year,” reports Ruth Hill, RNZ [excerpt from article].
It was interesting to read that Australia has released the recommendations following a Senate Inquiry, in essence – to include GPs as part of a shared care model with mental health professionals, a ‘team based’ approach to the diagnosing and treatment of ADHD. An ADHD diagnosis requires more in-depth assessment than a 15 minute GP appointment can provide, as you can imagine, so there are numerous considerations to be made.
The recommended Australia model appears somewhat similar to the New Zealand model prior to 1999, before GPs were no longer able to authorise and prescribe ADHD stimulant medication.
I very much look forward to the changes to come, here in New Zealand.