69589 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

69589 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Does the Minister agree with Dr Paul Skirrow, clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Otago, that New Zealand does not follow the international guidelines for OCD treatment; if so, what, if anything, will he do to address this?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that diagnostic criteria is determined by international diagnostic and classification systems, such as the World Health Organisation International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Using such internationally developed and accepted systems ensures New Zealand data on prevalence is comparable to that of other countries, based upon a commonly used classification system. I am further advised that there are well-established international guidelines for the treatment of OCD. The health pathways development process referred to above takes advantage of this typically well-resourced international work guideline development, adapting and localising these as required to fit the local New Zealand service delivery systems and cultural requirements.