Police have changed their stance on barring all potential recruits who are on anti-depressant medication.

Police have done a u-turn on their policy that barred all potential new recruits from taking anti-depressants.

Earlier this year, Police said new recruits on anti-depressants could not join the force, a view the Mental Health Foundation slammed as unacceptable.

Would-be recruits needed to be both medication and symptom free for two years before their medical suitability would be considered.

But Police deputy chief executive of people Kaye Ryan said on Thursday that a change in medical standards for applicants meant potential recruits on anti-depressent medication will now be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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Any applicant who took anti-depressants needed a report from a registered clinical psychologist, she said.

"Whilst a stand-down period may still be imposed, it would be determined by an assessment of the applicant's individual circumstances and medical history."

Applicants were required list their prescribed medications and give medical history during the recruitment process but until Thursday those that took anti-depressant medications were immediately barred.

University of Auckland Psychiatry professor Robert Kydd carried out the review for the police. His report said a medicated person may make better judgements than someone with an untreated condition.

Ryan said the police were grateful for the review and took the mental well-being of officers seriously.

"The nature of Police work means officers can come across incredibly distressing and challenging situations, which might trigger mental distress," she said.

"Police support those staff who might be suffering and have a number of measures in place, such as welfare officers, Employee Assistance Programme and trauma referral following significant events."