Australia Eases Rules to Allow General Practitioners (GPs) to Diagnose and Treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

   

Australia’s push to allow general practitioners (GPs) a larger role in diagnosing and managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has caught attention in the UK, as the move aims to cut long waiting times and high costs. States like New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania are leading the charge with reforms, while a $1.3 million initiative in Western Australia is training 65 GPs through online courses, mentorship, and peer support to better handle ADHD cases.

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Supporters argue this will improve access to care, especially in underserved areas where public pediatric ADHD services face delays of up to three years. However, some psychiatrists caution against the shift, highlighting risks of misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and stimulant misuse without specialist oversight. They stress the importance of thorough assessments to differentiate ADHD from other conditions, underscoring the need for expert involvement to ensure patient safety.