Dr Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ chair addresses concerns that ADHD may be overdiagnosed

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions have surged around the world - but there's concern from experts that we might be overdoing it.

In New Zealand, prescriptions for the relevant medication have increased tenfold since 2006 and Pharmac has reported a 140 percent rise in demand for these medications.

General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says it's a complex diagnosis - and there are several conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.

"ADHD is very complex, there's a list of diagnostic criteria. It's really really important that assessments give a proper diagnosis, because the treatment can be life-changing - and it's really important to understand that. However, it can mimic a whole lot of other things."

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