The Victorian government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to train 150 general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose and initiate treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. This decision, aimed at reducing wait times and lowering costs, aligns Victoria with most other Australian states in terms of ADHD care.
The announcement comes as a relief to many, as current diagnostic processes often involve long waits for specialist appointments. By empowering GPs with the ability to diagnose and treat ADHD, the government hopes to streamline the process and provide timely care to those in need.
Understanding ADHD Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD is a comprehensive process that requires a thorough assessment of an individual’s medical history and the impact of their symptoms across various settings, such as school and social environments. This holistic approach ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and tailored to the individual’s needs.
Once diagnosed, managing ADHD typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, professional support from psychologists and occupational therapists, and strategies to help cope with daily challenges. Stimulant medications are often prescribed to improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviors.
About 6% of boys and 2% of girls under 12 in Australia are prescribed ADHD medications. This figure rises to 9% of boys and 5% of girls aged 12–17 years, and 2–3% in adults.
The Current Landscape in Victoria
Currently, Victorian GPs can only continue prescribing ADHD medication if a specialist has already made a diagnosis. This requires a government permit and mandates a specialist review every two years, adding layers of complexity and cost to the process.
In many parts of Australia, the demand for specialist appointments results in significant delays, which can postpone diagnosis and treatment. This delay can exacerbate symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity, impacting learning, relationships, and social functioning. The financial burden on families seeking specialist assessments further complicates access to care.
Training GPs: A New Approach
Following the Victorian government’s decision, GPs will have the opportunity to undergo additional training to diagnose and treat ADHD in patients aged six years and above. This training, accredited by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), will include prescribing medication and offering non-medication care options like behavioral therapy.
The government has committed A$750,000 to train an initial 150 GPs by September 2026, marking a significant investment in the state’s healthcare system. This move is expected to free up specialist appointments for more complex cases, thereby improving overall access to care.
Comparative Insights from Other States
Queensland has been a leader in GP-managed ADHD care since 2017, allowing GPs to diagnose and prescribe medication for children. By December 2025, they will extend this capability to adults. Meanwhile, Western Australia has committed A$1.3 million to train GPs, with the first cohort expected by the end of 2026.
In New South Wales, GPs have been able to prescribe stimulant medications to patients with an existing ADHD diagnosis since September 2025, provided they meet specific criteria. South Australian GPs will soon have access to additional training, enabling them to diagnose and prescribe without needing specialist appointments.
Governments in Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory are also revising their ADHD care policies, while the Northern Territory remains the only jurisdiction without announced reforms.
Challenges and Considerations
While the policy change has the potential to enhance access to care, several issues must be carefully managed. ADHD assessments must consider a range of factors, as many patients have comorbid conditions such as learning difficulties, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, symptoms may sometimes be attributed to other causes like sleep deprivation or trauma.
Medication, while effective, requires regular monitoring to ensure its efficacy and manage side effects. The success of this initiative hinges on the quality of training and the support structures put in place for GPs.
Overall, the Victorian government’s decision represents a significant step forward in making ADHD care more accessible and affordable. However, as the program rolls out, stakeholders must remain vigilant to ensure it meets the needs of patients and healthcare providers alike.
Daryl Efron, an Associate Professor with the Department of Paediatrics at The University of Melbourne, and Nadia Coscini, a PhD Candidate with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, contributed to this analysis.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The statements or opinions expressed in this article reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy of the AMA, the MJA, or InSight+ unless so stated.
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