Around 300 NSW GPs now trained to diagnose ADHD, improving treatment access

Almost 300 general practitioners across New South Wales have completed training to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a role that previously required a specialist, according to reports from wellingtontimes.com.au and other outlets.

This change aims to make treatment more accessible, particularly for children, by reducing long wait times and high fees that previously delayed diagnosis and care.

GPs in NSW had already begun prescribing continuing medications for ADHD last year as part of a broader plan to improve access to treatment.

The move follows similar initiatives in Queensland since 2017, with Western Australia expected to implement comparable changes.

Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practice in NSW and ACT, noted that removing barriers to diagnosis can be life-changing for patients, including those living outside cities who face challenges traveling to specialists.

More than one million Australians, or about one in 20 people, live with ADHD, and the government plans to continue training additional GPs to further improve access to diagnosis and treatment.