Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects millions, yet its diagnosis and treatment have long been shrouded in complexity and inaccessibility. But here’s where it gets groundbreaking: New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are leading the charge with transformative reforms that promise to change the game for ADHD care. And this is the part most people miss—these changes aren’t just about paperwork; they’re about making life-altering treatments more accessible to those who need them most.
The NSW government has boldly announced the launch of the second stage of its ADHD reforms, set to roll out this March. This phase focuses on integrating general practitioners (GPs) more deeply into ADHD care, a move that could revolutionize how patients access diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, the ACT government isn’t far behind, having just revealed that trained GPs will now be able to write continuation scripts for patients already diagnosed with ADHD. But here’s where it gets controversial: while this shift aims to streamline care, some critics argue it might dilute the specialized expertise traditionally provided by psychiatrists. What do you think—is this a step forward or a potential oversight?
So far, nearly 600 GPs across NSW have expressed interest in undergoing training to diagnose ADHD, a number that underscores the growing commitment to addressing this often-overlooked condition. Once trained, these GPs will qualify as ‘endorsed prescribers,’ enabling them to prescribe psychostimulants to newly diagnosed patients aged six and above. And this is the part most people miss: rural and regional GPs, as well as those working in Aboriginal community-controlled settings, are being prioritized for training, ensuring that these reforms benefit underserved communities.
This focus on accessibility is already paying off. Recent statistics show that 41% of ADHD-prescribing practices are located outside metropolitan Sydney, a clear indication that these reforms are reaching beyond urban centers. This progress builds on the 2025 reforms that allowed GPs to become ‘continuation prescribers,’ repeating ADHD prescriptions for patients with existing diagnoses. To date, 800 specialist GPs in NSW have completed this training, benefiting over 5,000 patients.
Dr. Chris Timms, RACGP ADHD spokesperson, highlights the scale of the issue: ‘We estimate about 6% of adults and 10% of children have ADHD, which translates to between 500,000 and 600,000 patients in NSW alone.’ He emphasizes the historical under-diagnosis of ADHD, particularly in females, who are often mislabeled as ‘quiet’ or ‘daydreamers’ in childhood, only to discover their ADHD in adulthood. ‘We’re now conducting long, complex assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses,’ Dr. Timms explains. ‘This is about getting it right for the patient.’
Looking ahead, the RACGP is advocating for a national harmonization framework, aligning with other professional bodies to ensure consistent ADHD care across Australia. Dr. Timms notes, ‘The current framework in NSW is a collaborative effort between the Royal Australian College of GPs, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and the NSW Government.’ This means patients can seek diagnosis and treatment from their local GP, though complex cases may still require input from psychiatrists or pediatricians.
But here’s where it gets thought-provoking: As ADHD care becomes more decentralized, how do we balance accessibility with the need for specialized expertise? And what does this mean for the future of mental health care more broadly? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the next wave of reforms.
