This article is featured in Geelong Times and is republished with permission.
VICTORIANS seeking an ADHD diagnosis will soon be able to see their local GP rather than wait months for a specialist, under new state government reforms expected to begin this year.
Trained general practitioners will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD in both adults and children aged six and over by September, with the state investing $750,000 to train an initial 150 GPs.
At present, adults must see a psychiatrist and children must see either a paediatrician or psychiatrist to receive a diagnosis and medication, a process that can involve six- to 12-month wait lists and assessments costing more than $2,000.
The changes will allow GPs to diagnose, prescribe medication and provide ongoing management, including referrals for behavioural therapy, education support and lifestyle strategies.
The government says the move will cut out-of-pocket costs, improve regional access and ease pressure on specialist services.
The Royal Australia College of GPs (RACGP) estimates up to 163,000 Victorian children and 320,000 adults may be living with ADHD.
“Families have told me how difficult it is to get this care – so we’re making it cheaper and easier,” Premier Jacinta Allan said of the reforms.
“No child or family should be left behind because the system is too complex, too hard or too expensive.”
The reforms will bring Victorian in line with a broader national shift towards GP-led ADHD care.
Queensland has allowed GP-initiated treatment since 2017, Western Australia and South Australia are rolling out training-based programs, and New South Wales allows trained GPs to continue prescriptions by trialling GP diagnosis in selected areas.
Tasmania and the ACT have also committed to similar changes.
The RACGP, which has long advocated for the change, welcomed the announcement.
RACGP Victoria chair, Dr Anita Muñoz, said people had struggled with cost, travel and long wait lists for too long.
“This announcement is keenly welcomed by Victorian GPs on behalf of the many untreated or undiagnosed Victorians who have to date struggled with access to affordable care in their local communities,” she said.
“Assessment and diagnosis for ADHD can cost thousands of dollars and mean months of waiting. Patients may have to travel for hours to see a non-GP specialist. Patients in rural and lower socioeconomic status areas miss out on care.
Dr Muñoz said the reforms would also allow GPs to support patients beyond medication by providing ongoing, whole-of-life care.
“Being able to prescribe for ADHD is key, but patients with ADHD also benefit from care to help them maintain sleep hygiene, manage screen time, receive counselling when needed, and provide and receive support with peers,” she said.
“GPs are perfectly positioned to provide our patients with this care. This change recognises this and as any patient who has struggled to access initial or ongoing care will tell you, it’s certainly due.”
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) supported improved access but said reforms should involve a broader team-based approach, with psychologists formally involved in assessment and therapy alongside doctors.
“A truly collaborative model where psychologists provide assessment, diagnosis and psychological treatment, and GPs oversee medication management has the potential to reduce system strain, shorten wait times and deliver more accessible, effective support for individuals and families,” APS president, Dr Kelly Gough, said.
He said psychologists were uniquely trained and qualified to provide a comprehensive approach to support people with ADHD.
“The psychological impact of ADHD and its treatment, including on emotions, relationships and work and study, is best managed by a psychologist,” Dr Gough said.
“We call on all governments to address the under-recognised contribution of psychologists and to work with us to design initiatives that enable psychologists to provide these much-needed services to the Australian community.”