The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), has released a new Position Statement on ADHD care, calling for clinically led reform that expands access while ensuring safety, comprehensive assessment, and clear referral pathways for tāngata whai ora of all ages.
ADHD has become a high‑profile area of mental health, with growing public awareness and rising demand placing significant pressure on already stretched services.
The statement affirms that accurate diagnosis requires thorough evaluation and that stimulant prescribing must be based on diagnostic confidence, careful monitoring, and shared care arrangements.
Dr Hiran Thabrew, Chair of Tū Te Akaaka Roa, the New Zealand National Office of the RANZCP said, “Tū Te Akaaka Roa supports easier and more equitable access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment for tāngata whai ora of all ages.
“Given the current access barriers from psychiatry workforce shortages and increasing demand, we support a wider group of specialists being able to conduct comprehensive assessments and deliver holistic treatment after receiving adequate training.
“While changes in regulation and management of ADHD-care are a welcome move to improve access to services, they must be matched with additional qualifications and training for healthcare professionals, development of practical implementation guidelines, adequate resourcing, separation of regulatory settings for young people and adults and clear referral pathways to specialists, so that standards of care are consistent across the motu.”
The statement also highlights that while psychostimulants play a key role in ADHD management, they are not a standalone treatment.
“Safe prescribing requires comprehensive assessment, ongoing monitoring, and integration with non‑pharmacological psychosocial supports to ensure ADHD care is most effective,” Dr Thabrew said.
“Any changes to the regulation of psychostimulants must consider the risks of medication use, abuse and diversion, and ensure provision of good clinical care.
“Without thorough evaluation, there’s a risk of missing mood and anxiety disorders, trauma related symptoms, autism or other neurodevelopmental needs, and substance use issues. These factors can completely change the diagnosis, require different treatment approaches, or make stimulant use unsafe,” Dr Thabrew said.
“ADHD care must be safe, comprehensive and equitable. With robust governance, accredited training, and adequate resourcing, reforms can deliver consistent, high‑quality support for tāngata whai ora and their whānau across the motu.”
The Position Statement, developed through extensive member input, provides guidance for safe and equitable ADHD care and a roadmap for governments.
ENDS.