New prescribing rules allowing GPs and nurse practitioners to prescribe ADHD medication have taken effect in New Zealand, sparking debate between clinicians worried about over-diagnosis and patients who have waited years for treatment.The changes, which came into force on 1 February, are designed to improve access to ADHD care in a country where specialist waitlists have stretched to years in some regions.For those living with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD, the changes are welcome news."I waited three years to see a specialist," said one Auckland patient. "Three years of struggling at work, struggling in relationships, knowing something was wrong but unable to get help. This change could spare others that experience."But some clinicians have raised concerns about the potential for over-diagnosis if GPs without specialist training are making ADHD assessments."ADHD is a real condition that deserves proper treatment," said one psychiatrist who asked not to be named. "But it's also a complex diagnosis that can be mimicked by other conditions. We need to make sure people are getting accurate assessments, not just quick prescriptions."The debate reflects broader tensions in healthcare between access and safeguards. The previous system failed patients with impossible wait times, but critics worry the pendulum may swing too far in the other direction.In response to the changes, one software developer with ADHD has built a directory of providers across New Zealand, helping patients navigate the new landscape.The Health Ministry says it will monitor the changes closely and adjust if problems emerge.