Latest AJGP issue spotlights GPs' evolving role in ADHD care

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has released the latest issue of the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP), themed ‘ADHD 1’, highlighting the growing role of GPs in the assessment and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The September issue explores practical approaches to ADHD care, including non-pharmacological management strategies, medication initiation and optimisation, medicolegal considerations for GPs, and emerging models of GP-led ADHD care for children. A second themed issue, ‘ADHD 2’, will be published in January-February 2027. 

RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity Chair Adjunct Associate Professor John Kramer said increased awareness of the different ways ADHD can present is essential to improving care. 

“ADHD can present in many different ways and affect people across a wide spectrum, yet it has historically been associated with a narrow stereotype,” he said. 

“GPs are well placed to recognise the different ways ADHD can affect patients’ lives and provide ongoing, patient-centred care. With GPs likely to have an increasing role in this area, it is important they have access to clear, evidence-based information. 

“This issue provides practical guidance to help GPs build their knowledge and confidence in ADHD management, which typically involves a multimodal approach.” 

The RACGP has been advocating for greater access to ADHD care across Australia, including increased investment in training GPs to provide assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management. 

Recent government investments in GP ADHD training in Victoria and NSW have been welcomed by the College, while the RACGP has called for further funding in other states and territories to expand training and deliver more qualified GPs. 

“As demand for ADHD assessments increases, empowering more GPs to deliver safe, accessible and patient-centred ADHD care is critical,” Adj. Assoc. Prof. Kramer said. 

Additional topics featured in this issue include GP burnout, the 3-year-old health check, lipoprotein(a), and management of performance and image enhancing drug use (including peptides). 

The AJGP provides evidence-based, peer-reviewed information to support GPs in delivering high-quality care across diverse clinical and community settings. As an open access publication, AJGP is available to clinicians, researchers, educators, students and the wider healthcare community.