NSW erlaubt Hausärzten im Rahmen neuer Reformen die Diagnose und Behandlung von ADHS

The New South Wales (NSW) government plans to reform ADHD diagnosis and treatment by enabling general practitioners (GPs) to manage care for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This initiative, announced recently, positions NSW as the third Australian state to implement changes aimed at improving access to ADHD treatment.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting an estimated one in 20 Australians, or over one million individuals. A recent Senate inquiry revealed that access to ADHD assessments and support is hindered by various factors, including geographic location, cost, stigma, and differing regulations across states. Currently, patients seeking ADHD diagnosis and management typically must consult specialists—psychiatrists for adults and pediatricians for children—often facing long waits and high costs.

Under the new reforms, up to 1,000 GPs will be authorized to prescribe ongoing ADHD medication for patients already stabilized on their treatment. A smaller number of GPs will also be trained to diagnose ADHD and initiate medication when appropriate. The NSW government emphasizes that participating GPs will receive accredited training to ensure quality care.

NSW Premier Chris Minns stated that these reforms aim to eliminate the lengthy wait times associated with receiving an ADHD diagnosis, which can be life-changing for affected individuals. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson highlighted that these changes will ease the financial burden on families, reducing the need for expensive visits to specialists and enabling quicker access to necessary support.

Jackson noted, “Too many families are stuck waiting, paying, and struggling to access basic ADHD support—especially in the regions. That’s not just frustrating, it’s fundamentally unfair.” She pointed out that the timely provision of help can significantly affect children and families managing ADHD.

This reform follows similar legislative actions in Queensland and Western Australia. In Queensland, GPs can prescribe certain ADHD medications for patients under 18 without needing specialist approval. Western Australia has proposed reforms allowing trained GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, pending state elections.

The federal government is also taking steps toward uniform prescribing rules across Australia, responding to recommendations from the Senate inquiry. This initiative aims to establish consistency in ADHD treatment regulations across states.

Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) NSW & ACT, expressed optimism about the reforms, citing stories of families traveling over seven hours for specialist appointments or spending upwards of $5,000 on assessments. She stated, “This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state.”

Hoffman emphasized the importance of early intervention and noted that empowering GPs to initiate ADHD treatment will help children avoid long waiting lists.

The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) welcomed the reforms, noting that improved access to care could reduce waiting times and costs. However, the organization stressed the importance of maintaining accurate diagnosis standards throughout the rollout.

Professor David Coghill, president of AADPA, stated, “The expansion of GP roles in ADHD care is a positive and necessary step—but it’s essential that we keep accurate diagnosis at the heart of this process.”

In the coming months, the NSW government will seek GPs interested in participating in the training program, which will be funded by NSW Health. The reforms will be phased in, with GPs expected to start providing ongoing prescriptions for children as early as next year.