For Kara Shay, an ADHD diagnosis meant more than finally getting the answers she had been searching for.
It meant revisiting her past and reflecting on the years she spent trying to make sense of her experiences.
“My self esteem skyrocketed. I understand myself so much better, and I no longer see those difficulties as personal failures.”
According to ADHD NZ, it is estimated that one in 20 people in New Zealand has ADHD.
ADHD also remains significantly underdiagnosed among adults, with estimates suggesting fewer than 20% are currently diagnosed or receiving treatment.
“I do wonder what my life would have looked like if I had been diagnosed earlier. I went through a big process of grief for my younger self when I was first diagnosed. I felt she had been let down by no one picking it up sooner.”
In early February 2026, the Government broadened regulations to allow GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose and prescribe treatment for ADHD, while also changing funding restrictions for related medications.
Previously, primary care providers could only diagnose or treat ADHD with a recommendation from a psychiatrist or pediatrician.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the decision "will have, and is already having, a positive impact on people’s lives”. He said it could help ease demand for specialist services.
Doocey said not all GPs will offer specialist ADHD services, expecting those who have a particular interest in ADHD to initially take on these roles. Training opportunities are also being offered to increase the number of clinicians able to provide the service.
“It was expected that clinicians would take this up over time, with services developing gradually.”
Early data provided by Healthpoint suggests the changes are already increasing access. It shows an 82% increase in providers offering adult ADHD assessment and diagnosis, alongside a 44% increase in providers offering ADHD medication initiation.
However, this increase in access does not necessarily mean equal access for all.
There is currently no additional Government funding dedicated specifically to ADHD training for health professionals. For GPs already working under significant pressure, taking on specialised psychiatric assessments without additional support can be a difficult ask.
Meaning access may depend on where someone lives and whether a local GP is willing or able to provide ADHD services.
There is also the issue of cost. The assessments themselves are not funded, with costs varying depending on the provider, the type of assessment, the time involved and follow up appointments.
For Shay, that meant a lot of effort went into making it a financial reality.
“The financial cost meant I had to spend a year saving before I could even pursue a diagnosis, which obviously isn’t an option for everyone.”
Assessments alone can cost roughly $500 to $1000 or more. For some New Zealanders who suspect they have ADHD, the cost of diagnosis can put a potentially life changing answer out of reach.
“I remember feeling like it was a huge amount of money to spend on something I wasn’t even sure would give me any answers.”
Despite the financial burden, having access to a diagnosis has made a significant difference in her day to day life. More than anything, it has changed the way she understands herself and her past.
The Ministry of Health said it will continue to review the changes and consider whether any further adjustments are needed over time.
