NSW Shifts ADHD Diagnosis Model to Empower General Practitioners
The New South Wales government has introduced a landmark healthcare reform, granting general practitioners (GPs) new authority in ADHD care. In a move designed to increase access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment, this reform follows the footsteps of similar initiatives in Western Australia and Queensland.
Until now, ADHD diagnosis and stimulant prescriptions were mostly restricted to psychiatrists and paediatricians. This bottleneck led to long wait times, soaring out-of-pocket costs, and limited accessibility for many Australians—especially in rural and low-income areas.
Phased Implementation Will Train GPs for ADHD Care
The NSW plan will roll out in two phases. First, around 1,000 GPs will be trained to manage ADHD medications. Then, a smaller cohort of 100 GPs will undergo intensive training to assess, diagnose, and prescribe for ADHD, initially targeting children and adolescents, with expansion to adult ADHD care in later stages.
This shift reflects the evolving role of GPs as frontline providers for chronic and mental health conditions. With structured training, GPs are seen as well-positioned to monitor medications, adjust treatment plans, and manage care over time.
Collaboration Between GPs and Specialists Remains Essential
ADHD rarely exists in isolation. It often overlaps with anxiety, depression, or learning disorders, complicating diagnosis. In such cases, GPs may need support from psychiatrists, psychologists, and occupational therapists to ensure accurate assessments and safe treatment pathways.
The NSW ADHD reform underscores the value of collaborative care models. Without reliable access to specialists, GPs may lack confidence to fully manage complex ADHD cases. As a result, ongoing specialist collaboration is critical to sustain this new healthcare approach.
Misdiagnosis Risks Highlight Need for Evidence-Based Practice
While this reform improves access, some risks remain, particularly around ADHD misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis. Critics point to financial incentives, short consultation times, and inconsistent diagnostic protocols as possible threats to quality care.
Prevalence data shows ADHD remains stable—around 7% in children and 2.5% in adults—but diagnosis rates have surged, especially among young women. Meanwhile, older adults remain underdiagnosed, hinting at systemic gaps in care across age groups.
Rural and Marginalised Communities Still Face Barriers
The reform holds promise for rural and remote areas, where specialist shortages and high travel costs make ADHD treatment inaccessible. Yet, even with GP involvement, inequities persist, especially where cultural, socioeconomic, or systemic barriers limit healthcare reach.
To address these disparities, training programs must be inclusive and equitable, ensuring GPs in regional and Indigenous communities receive the support needed to deliver responsible ADHD care.
Medication Alone Is Not Enough: Holistic ADHD Care Needed
Experts caution that medication should not be the sole treatment option. While stimulants are effective, they work best when combined with psychological support, occupational therapy, and family education.
Over-reliance on medication, especially in disadvantaged communities, may limit long-term outcomes. The success of this reform depends on funding and access to allied health services, not just prescriptions.
A Thoughtful Step Forward in ADHD Treatment Access
Ultimately, NSW’s ADHD reform is a progressive and much-needed shift, but it must be implemented carefully. With structured GP training, specialist collaboration, and a focus on whole-person care, Australia can set a global example in making ADHD diagnosis and treatment more accessible, affordable, and effective.
By empowering GPs, the government is opening new doors for patients—but it must also fund, support, and monitor these efforts to ensure they deliver sustainable improvements in ADHD care for all Australians.
