NSW and ACT Take Major Steps Towards ADHD Reform
The NSW government has announced a significant milestone in ADHD care, with the second phase of reforms set to commence in March. This marks a crucial step in integrating GPs into the ADHD treatment process.
The initiative is gaining momentum, with the state's commitment to improving ADHD diagnosis and management. The ACT government has also launched its own ADHD reform program, allowing trained GPs to prescribe continuation scripts for patients already diagnosed with ADHD.
The NSW government has reported a positive response, with nearly 600 GPs expressing interest in ADHD training. These GPs will become 'endorsed prescribers', authorized to prescribe psychostimulants to newly diagnosed patients aged six and above. The training program prioritizes rural and regional GPs, as well as those practicing in Aboriginal community-controlled settings.
The latest statistics reveal that 41% of ADHD-prescribing practices are located outside of metropolitan Sydney, reflecting the government's focus on accessibility in regional areas.
This reform follows the major changes introduced in September 2025, which enabled GPs to train as 'continuation prescribers', allowing them to repeat ADHD prescriptions for patients with existing diagnoses. As a result, over 5000 patients in NSW have benefited from this scheme.
According to Dr. Chris Timms, a spokesperson for the RACGP ADHD initiative, an estimated 6% of adults and 10% of children have ADHD, which equates to approximately 500,000 to 600,000 patients in NSW. Dr. Timms highlights the traditional challenge of under-diagnosis, especially for females with the inattentive type of ADHD, who are often overlooked until later in life.
To address this, the initiative emphasizes comprehensive assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses. The RACGP advocates for a national harmonization framework, collaborating with other professional bodies to ensure consistent and effective ADHD management across the country.
The goal is to empower patients to access diagnosis and treatment at the GP level in their local surgeries, with GPs who know them well. However, complex cases may still require psychiatric or pediatric input, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to ADHD care.
