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Australian States Expand GP Role in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Amidst Rising Prescription Rates

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National Shift: GPs to Diagnose and Treat ADHD Across Australia

A national shift is underway across multiple Australian states and territories to allow general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose and treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition historically managed by specialists.

These policy changes occur against a backdrop of significantly increased ADHD diagnosis and medication prescription rates over the past decade, as well as concerns regarding diagnostic accuracy and regional disparities in care.

Overview of State and Territory Reforms

Victoria

The Victorian government has allocated $750,000 to fund accredited training for an initial 150 GPs. These practitioners are expected to complete training by September and will be authorized to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for ADHD in individuals aged six and older.

The government stated the aim is to reduce waiting times, which currently range from six to 12 months, and lower out-of-pocket assessment costs, which can exceed $2,000. The initiative will also involve consideration of non-medication treatments, including behavioral therapy and educational support. The program will prioritize geographic distribution to serve rural, remote, and outer-suburban areas.

New South Wales

Nearly 600 GPs have expressed interest in training to diagnose and treat ADHD, with a priority placed on those in regional, rural, and remote areas. This follows a previous phase where over 800 GPs were trained to issue repeat ADHD medication prescriptions.

Since September 1, 2025, the government reported that over 5,000 patients have benefited from this arrangement, with more than 18,000 scripts filled. Training costs are covered by NSW Health, and a remuneration package is available for GPs who complete the training.

Australian Capital Territory

GPs in the ACT who have completed approved training can now prescribe ADHD medication for eligible patients aged six years or older who are stable on their existing medication and have a diagnosis from a relevant specialist. GPs no longer require repeated reviews from a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or neurologist for these patients. Further reforms are anticipated later this year to allow GPs with additional training to diagnose ADHD and initiate medication.

Other Jurisdictions

  • Queensland permits all fully qualified GPs to diagnose and treat adult ADHD without requiring further training, and it also allows GPs to diagnose and treat children.
  • Similar reforms allowing GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD have been introduced or are being implemented in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

There are currently no uniform national guidelines; each state and territory sets its own rules.

National Trends in Diagnosis and Prescription Rates

Data from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) shows that 2.36% of Australian adults aged 20-65 filled at least one ADHD medication prescription in the 2025 financial year. This rate falls within the generally cited adult ADHD prevalence range of 2.5% to 3%.

The data indicates a substantial increase in diagnosis rates over time:

  • Analysis of Medicare data from 2017 to 2023 shows that the proportion of psychiatry consultations linked to an ADHD prescription rose from less than 5% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 11.8% by 2022.
  • Nationally, ADHD medication dispensing rose approximately eleven-fold between 2004–05 and 2023–24, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
  • Data from UNSW indicates the rate of ADHD diagnoses in Australian adults, measured by filled prescriptions, has increased by nearly 600% since 2017.

Demographic Shifts

A significant change in the gender ratio of prescriptions has been observed. While men outnumbered women in 99% of neighborhoods in 2020, by 2024 women outnumbered men in 94% of neighborhoods. The increase has been most pronounced among women aged 20–44. Experts have noted that ADHD in children has historically been more commonly diagnosed in boys, but the adult ratio is estimated to be approximately equal.

Regional Disparities in Prescription Rates

Analysis reveals significant geographic variation in prescription rates across the country.

High Prescription Areas

  • Western Australia contains 13 of Australia's 20 highest ADHD prescription dispensing neighborhoods. Fremantle has the highest rate in the state and nationally.
  • In Victoria, the highest rates are in Brunswick, Coburg, and Darebin South.
  • In New South Wales, higher rates are found in the Marrickville, Sydenham, and Petersham area, as well as the Blue Mountains.

Low Prescription Areas ("ADHD Deserts")

Areas with very low prescription rates include Fairfield in south-west Sydney, where a 0.3% rate has led experts to suggest a high proportion of adults with ADHD may be undiagnosed.

Response and Safeguards from Medical Bodies

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)

The RACGP has advocated for the changes, stating that ADHD care falls within the scope of general practice. The organization has noted that prescription rates are more than double in Australia's most advantaged areas compared to the most disadvantaged and has advocated for nationally consistent rules.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)

The RANZCP has raised concerns about potential misdiagnosis, emphasizing the need for specialist training and oversight for GPs. The college has suggested a shared-care model after an initial specialist diagnosis.

Australian Medical Association (AMA)

The AMA ACT has supported the simplified treatment pathway for stable patients.

Context and Broader Issues

Prevalence

  • The ADHD Foundation Australia estimates up to 1 million Australians have been diagnosed with ADHD.
  • The RACGP estimates approximately 163,000 children and 320,000 adults in Victoria may have the condition.
  • Nationally, ADHD is estimated to affect 6-10% of children and adolescents, and 2-6% of adults.

Potential Benefits and Harms

Benefits: Reforms are intended to reduce wait times and costs for patients and ease pressure on specialist services. Untreated ADHD is associated with higher risks of substance use disorders and accidents.

Harms and Concerns: Experts have noted potential harms from incorrect diagnosis, including untreated underlying mental health conditions and the side effects of prescribed medications, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.

  • Emergency doctors in multiple states have reported an anecdotal increase in psychosis presentations potentially linked to prescribed ADHD medications.
  • One study cited that an estimated 18% of people prescribed stimulants for ADHD had given their medication to others.

Historical Context

The rise in ADHD telepsychiatry has been associated with a higher proportion of female patients. Some researchers have noted that a focus on ADHD consultations may affect access for people with other mental health conditions. Public ADHD clinics are rare in Australia, meaning diagnosis typically occurs in the private system.