From next year, GPs across NSW will be able to diagnose attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prescribe medication.
Both children and adults will be affected by the changes, which the government will start phasing in from 2026.
GPs will need to complete extra training to be eligible.
The change makes NSW the third state to simplify the ADHD treatment process, following Queensland and Western Australia.
ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It can make it difficult to concentrate or control impulses.
Symptoms usually appear in childhood and diagnosis requires a thorough behavioural assessment.
Children typically need to visit a paediatrician, while adults usually receive diagnosis and treatment from psychologists or psychiatrists.
It’s estimated around one in 20 Australians have ADHD.
Changes
In the next few months, GPs will be able to file “expressions of interest” to undertake specialist training.
The Government will fund 1,000 spots in the training program.
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It said GPs will start prescribing, treating, and diagnosing ADHD in local clinics from “early 2026”, initially prioritising children over adults.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he’s “hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for, what can be, a life-altering diagnosis.”
Reaction
Shadow Mental Health Minister Robyn Preston called the measure a “quick Band-Aid” solution, claiming a GP’s ADHD assessment would be conducted in six minutes rather than 55 minutes.
She said it’s likely to increase the “work and burden” of GPs across the state.
However, professional bodies have welcomed the measure, including the NSW College of GPs.
The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association said the reforms will streamline “safe, affordable, and effective care”.
Elsewhere
The process of diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication varies around the country.
Western Australia committed to similar reforms to NSW earlier this year.
Queensland has allowed GPs to prescribe some ADHD medications to children since 2017.
Last year, the federal government supported a Senate inquiry’s recommendation to bring in national prescription guidelines.
