Another state gives GPs green light to treat ADHD

Another state has joined the growing shift to expand care for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), granting GPs in South Australia the authority to formally diagnose and manage the condition.
 
The reforms, backed by the RACGP, are set to come into effect in 2026 when GPs will have the option to undergo additional training to enable them to diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD in both adults and children.
 
The move is part of a broader effort to address rising demand for ADHD services amid growing recognition of the condition, and with long wait times for non-GP specialists and limited access in regional areas, GPs are increasingly being seen as a vital part of the solution.
 
Making the announcement on Friday, SA Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said the change will make it ‘cheaper and easier’ for people in the state to access life changing treatment.
 
‘We know many South Australians currently face lengthy wait times and huge costs to access a diagnosis and treatment,’ he said.
 
‘Children can struggle academically and socially as a result of ADHD and we want to reduce any delays in them receiving help.
 
‘People’s access to this important health care should not be determined by their postcode or their bank balance – and, likewise, we should allow our specialist GPs to practise at the top of their scope of practice.’
 
RACGP Board and SA Chair Dr Siân Goodson, who welcomed the reforms, said allowing GPs to work to their full scope in ADHD will make the health system ‘fairer and more equitable’ for patients.
 
‘An ADHD assessment and diagnosis can cost thousands of dollars and months of waiting,’ she said.
 
‘Health data shows families in more rural and lower socioeconomic status areas are missing out on this care at significantly higher rates.
 
‘As specialist GPs, we care for our patients throughout their lives and are the most accessible medical practitioners.’
 
It is estimated that one in 20 people have ADHD in Australia, and in most states and territories those seeking a diagnosis are required to first see a psychiatrist or paediatrician for assessment and initiation of treatment.
 
However, from next year, GPs across South Australia will have access to accredited training through the RACGP, as well as additional ongoing support post-training and appropriate clinical guidelines to follow.
 
The reform builds on the SA Government’s 2023 decision to allow GPs to prescribe ADHD medications under the GP ADHD Shared Care Program, which was introduced to support adolescents transitioning from paediatric to adult healthcare services.
 
SA GP Dr Scott Parsons said the reforms will be lifechanging, especially for children with ADHD.
 
‘Allowing GPs with appropriate training and supervision to diagnose and manage paediatric ADHD will address the significant barriers and waiting times parents and caregivers are currently experiencing in South Australia,’ he said.
 
‘This is particularly so amongst more vulnerable groups, where GPs are the most accessible medical practitioners.
 
‘Early intervention significantly improves the situation for the child, the family and in many cases, dramatically improves the child’s life trajectory.’
 
By further expanding ADHD care into the primary care space, GPs will provide holistic care, which will include addressing aspects of care beyond medication such as sleep hygiene and screen time.
 
GPs can also coordinate referrals to educational and behavioural management programs, counselling and support groups.
 
The new approach is expected to be particularly significant for people living in outer metropolitan and regional parts of SA, where wait times to see a non-GP specialist are even longer.
 
The move follows the New South Wales Government’s decision last month to allow GPs from 2026 to provide ongoing prescriptions for ADHD treatments for individuals who have had medication initiated by a non-GP specialist. Part of the reform will also see a small number of GPs trained to diagnose and initiate medication.
 
Western Australia is also taking similar action, with reforms soon rolling out allowing patients to receive a diagnosis and treatment from GPs who have additional training in ADHD diagnosis and management.
 
Queensland was the first state to expand GPs’ scope of practice, enabling them since 2017 to initiate and continue prescribing stimulant medications for patients aged 4–18.
 
For GPs who are interested in expanding their knowledge about ADHD, education is available through the current curriculum for RACGP GP training and ADHD modules in the college’s gplearning platform.  
 
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