The New South Wales (NSW) government plans to enhance access to diagnosis and treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by providing additional training for general practitioners (GPs). Currently, most individuals seeking ADHD services must consult specialists, often facing high costs and extensive wait times that can stretch to months or even years.
Under the new initiative, GPs will be authorized to prescribe ADHD medication for children and adults who have stabilized on their doses without needing a formal agreement with a specialist. A select group of GPs will also be able to diagnose ADHD and start medication when appropriate.
This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and reduce the lengthy wait times associated with specialist consultations. The NSW government is seeking expressions of interest from GPs to participate in accredited training programs in the coming months. Up to 1,000 GPs will be supported in completing this training, which will be funded by NSW Health.
The reforms will be implemented in phases, with an initial focus on children. Delayed diagnoses in children can lead to adverse outcomes, including lower academic performance, diminished job prospects, and increased mental health issues. By prioritizing children, the government aims to address these developmental concerns more effectively.
NSW joins Queensland and Western Australia in reforming ADHD treatment access, where Queensland GPs can prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without needing prior approval, and Western Australian specialists can diagnose and treat the condition.
The training for GPs is expected to commence in the next few months, with the implementation of ongoing prescription capabilities for children anticipated to begin in early 2026.
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