Under significant changes implemented by the NSW government, treatment for individuals affected by ADHD—a widely recognized mental health condition in Australia—will now be more affordable and readily available.
The Minns Government has introduced changes to how attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a long-term condition characterized by difficulties with focus, over-activity, and impulsive behavior, is handled. These reforms broaden the range of professionals allowed to provide diagnoses, oversee management plans, and issue continuous medication prescriptions for ADHD.
At present, individuals looking for therapy for ADHD have to consult a specialist, an option that often comes with high costs and involves lengthy waits spanning several months or even years.
For numerous Australians, these obstacles imply that treatment won’t be sought after whatsoever.
The changes unveiled on Monday will enable GPs to gain accreditation for diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications following extra training and education sessions.
There are two levels of approved training or certification for managing ADHD, offering varying degrees of capability when it comes to diagnosing, treating, prescribing medication, or overseeing the condition.
Up to 1000 family doctors will receive support for extra training, enabling them to continue prescribing medications after patients have stabilized, eliminating the requirement for a formal agreement.
At present, GPs are able to obtain approval for prescribing stimulant medications solely under particular circumstances.
NSW Health will fund the extra training.
As the number of Australian individuals being prescribed ADHD medications has surged by approximately 300 percent over ten years, reaching around 470,000 people in 2022-2023, these modifications are anticipated to have a substantial effect.
These changes will be implemented gradually, starting with medications prescribed to children. Delayed treatments for this group can negatively impact their education, job prospects, and psychological well-being.
Premier Chris Minns stated that by eliminating “red tape,” these changes aim to “interrupt the cycle” of holdups affecting ADHD care within the mental health framework.
“Through safe training for additional GPs in diagnosing and treating ADHD, our aim is to disrupt the pattern where individuals face prolonged waits for potentially transformative diagnoses,” he stated.
Missing diagnosis could significantly affect a child from fully experiencing their life, be it in an academic setting or social environment.
These changes aim to shift the balance towards greater equity — lowering the expense of receiving care by several hundred dollars, cutting bureaucratic hurdles for countless households and youth, and providing individuals with the assistance required to lead more contented, well-rounded lives.
Dr Rebekah Hoffman, who serves as the RACGP chairperson, mentioned that she has seen firsthand the difficulties people face when trying to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, and she supports these new modifications.
“As I journey through New South Wales, my colleagues share stories with me about families in rural regions traveling over seven hours just to consult a pediatrician, and about parents in Sydney paying upwards of $5,000 for evaluations and diagnoses related to ADHD,” she stated.
This announcement will bring about transformative changes in obtaining prompt and cost-effective ADHD treatment for families statewide.
GPs across numerous regions of Australia, as well as internationally, are currently diagnosing ADHD and issuing prescriptions. For instance, our peers in Queensland have been safely providing ADHD medications since 2017.
… In the coming years, we anticipate collaborating productively with the government to make greater strides and educate additional general practitioners to diagnose issues and prescribe medications, ensuring that every family receives the necessary care and treatment.
The training will commence in the upcoming months with GPs anticipated to offer continuous prescriptions for children by early 2026.
