New South Wales trains 1,000 GPs to treat ADHD effectively

New South Wales, Australia, is set to improve access to ADHD treatment by training up to 1,000 general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose and manage the condition. This initiative aims to reduce the lengthy wait times and high costs associated with specialist consultations, which can often extend for months or even years.

Under the new reforms, eligible GPs will undergo training to diagnose, prescribe, and treat ADHD for both children and adults. Currently, patients typically need to consult a specialist, which can be a barrier for many seeking timely care. The NSW Health Department plans to open applications for GPs interested in this training soon, with the first phase focusing on prescriptions for children expected to commence in early 2026.

Premier Chris Minns stated, “We won’t stand by while people struggle to access life-changing treatment.” This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden that families face; some currently spend over $5,000 for assessments and diagnoses, particularly in urban areas. Rural families often travel more than seven hours to see a pediatrician, underscoring the dire need for local treatment options.

Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ NSW Branch, highlighted the challenges families face. She noted that many ADHD patients go without essential medications due to the limited availability of psychiatrists.

Pharmacy Guild NSW President Mario Barone echoed this concern, stating that community pharmacies frequently encounter ADHD patients who cannot access psychiatric services. The collaborative training for GPs aims to address these gaps in care, helping patients receive necessary medications more easily.

However, psychologists are advocating for their inclusion in the treatment model. Amanda Curran, Chief Services Officer of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc, emphasized the importance of both GPs and psychologists working together to provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic support for individuals seeking ADHD evaluations.

This move follows similar reforms in Queensland and Western Australia, which have aimed at increasing access to ADHD treatment. By empowering GPs, New South Wales hopes to create a more equitable healthcare system for those affected by ADHD, reducing wait times and treatment costs significantly.