Recent reforms in New South Wales (NSW) aim to streamline the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by enhancing the training of General Practitioners (GPs) and expanding their authority in managing the condition. Traditionally, individuals seeking an ADHD diagnosis must consult specialists, leading to lengthy wait times that can extend to several months or even years, alongside significant costs.
Under the newly announced reforms, selected GPs will receive specialised training to enable them to diagnose, treat, prescribe medications, and manage ongoing care for ADHD in both children and adults. This initiative was spearheaded by Health Minister Ryan Park, who acknowledged that many patients face prolonged delays and financial burdens simply to obtain a diagnosis. “We won’t remain passive while individuals encounter barriers to essential treatments,” he stated.
NSW Health plans to invite expressions of interest from up to 1,000 GPs, offering two levels of accreditation. Training is expected to commence in the coming months, with the initial rollout prioritising prescriptions for children, aiming for GPs to start issuing ongoing prescriptions by early 2026. The goal is to significantly reduce the waiting period and financial strain associated with specialist consultations.
Premier Chris Minns expressed that these changes foster fairness within the healthcare system, potentially saving families hundreds of dollars and easing the process for thousands seeking ADHD treatment. Medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, have praised the reforms as transformative, especially for patients in rural areas who might travel over seven hours for a paediatric consultation, or for families in urban centres incurring costs exceeding $5,000 for assessments.
Community pharmacies frequently encounter ADHD patients struggling to obtain psychiatric care, often leading to a lack of crucial medications for those affected. The President of the Pharmacy Guild NSW, Mario Barone, highlighted this issue, underscoring the pressing need for improved access to ADHD treatment.
However, psychologists are advocating for their services to be included in this accessibility drive. The Chief Services Officer for the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc, Amanda Curran, emphasised the importance of collaboration between psychologists and GPs to provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic options for individuals seeking an ADHD diagnosis.
This initiative aligns NSW with similar reforms in Queensland and Western Australia, aimed at facilitating better access to ADHD treatment throughout the country.