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SA reforms will allow GPs to provide equitable, accessible care for ADHD: RACGP

Royal Australian College of GPs

South Australian GPs will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD in children and adults, significantly reducing costs and lengthy wait times under reforms announced today by the state’s Malinauskas Labor Government.

From 2026, specialist GPs with training provided through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) will be allowed to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without the need for additional appointments with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

The SA Government will also provide GPs with access to ongoing support.

This reform will help cut wait times and provide South Australians with cheaper assessment, diagnosis and management for patients living with ADHD.

It is also expected to boost care in outer metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote areas of the state where non-GP specialist care is harder to access.

RACGP SA Chair Dr Siân Goodson said the reforms will allow specialist GPs to provide holistic care for patients with ADHD.

“By allowing GPs to work to our full scope in ADHD, the South Australian Government is making our health system fairer and more equitable for patients,” she said.

“An ADHD assessment and diagnosis can cost thousands of dollars and months of waiting. Health data shows families in more rural and lower socioeconomic status areas are missing out on this care at significantly higher rates.

“Early intervention for children with ADHD sets children up for success at school and throughout their lives. For adults, a diagnosis and access to treatment by a GP who knows you can be lifechanging.

“As specialist GPs, we care for our patients throughout their lives and are the most accessible medical practitioners.

“GPs with an interest in ADHD are supported by appropriate clinical guidelines and well-placed to provide an assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care.”

ADHD is estimated to affect 6–10% of children and young people and 2–10% of adults.

RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health group Chair Dr Tim Jones said specialist GPs are well-placed to provide holistic, lifelong care that supports patients living with ADHD to thrive throughout different life stages.

“ADHD care is well suited to ‘whole of person’ GPs who want to be able to support all facets of a patient’s care,” he said.

“GPs are providers of high-quality, lifelong care. For patients living with ADHD, that supports them to thrive throughout different life stages, from early childhood to school, to university or training, to their careers and as they form families of their own.

“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, manage behaviour and receive counselling when needed, and provide and receive support with peers. GPs are perfectly positioned to provide our patients with this support and care.”

ADHD is within the scope of general practice, with education available for GPs through the current curriculum for RACGP GP training and ADHD modules in the College’s gplearning platform.

GPs in Queensland have been safely initiating and continuing stimulant medications to patients with ADHD aged 4–18 since 2017.

The announcement in South Australia follows moves to recognise GPs’ scope in ADHD diagnosis and management in Western Australia and New South Wales, with work underway in the ACT.

The RACGP has also called for GPs to be able to provide this care in Victoria and Tasmania.

~ENDS

About us:

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.

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