General practitioners in Victoria will soon gain the ability to diagnose and treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. This initiative by the state government aims to alleviate the burden of lengthy wait times and high costs associated with ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Under upcoming legislative changes, 150 GPs across Victoria will receive specialized training to expand their practice scope, enabling them to safely diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for ADHD. This $750,000 investment is set to provide accredited training for the initial group of GPs by September this year.
Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the importance of making ADHD care more accessible and affordable for families. “No child or family should be left behind because the system is too complex, too hard, or too expensive,” she stated.
Expanding Access to ADHD Care
The new initiative will also encourage GPs to explore non-medication care options, such as lifestyle strategies and referrals for behavioral therapy, psychology, and education. These approaches aim to help manage symptoms like attention deficits, emotional regulation issues, and concentration challenges, according to the state government.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has been advocating for such reforms, urging the Victorian government to follow in the footsteps of other states. Western Australia, the ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland have already implemented similar measures.
On December 1, Queensland became the first state to authorize GPs to diagnose and prescribe medication for adults with ADHD without requiring additional training. Currently, in Victoria, adults must see a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication, while children need to consult either a paediatrician or a psychiatrist.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
RACGP Victoria chair Anita Muñoz highlighted that ADHD falls within the scope of general practice, noting that GPs are often the first point of contact for patients seeking an ADHD assessment. “As specialist GPs, we care for our patients throughout their lives and are the most accessed and most accessible part of the medical system,” Muñoz explained.
“Many of these patients can’t access an assessment, which may currently only be provided by a psychiatrist or for younger patients, a paediatrician,” said Dr Muñoz.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt echoed these sentiments, stating that the changes would provide more Victorians with a “chance to thrive.” She pointed out the significant impact undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can have on a person’s life, whether at school, work, or home.
By the Numbers: ADHD in Victoria
ADHD is estimated to affect between 6 and 10 percent of children and adolescents across Australia, and between 2 and 6 percent of adults. In Victoria alone, up to 163,000 children and 320,000 adults may be living with ADHD, according to Dr Muñoz.
“Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can have a significant effect on a person’s life — whether it’s at school, work or in the home,” said Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt.
Looking Ahead
A targeted consultation with stakeholders is set to commence shortly in preparation for the proposed changes, as announced by the state government. This development represents a significant shift in the approach to ADHD care in Victoria, potentially setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
As the state moves forward with these reforms, the impact on patients and the healthcare system will be closely monitored. The initiative promises to not only streamline the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis but also to provide a more holistic approach to treatment, benefiting thousands of Victorians.
