The New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced significant reforms that will allow specialist general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) starting in March 2024. This change, highlighted by the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), is expected to impact the lives of thousands of individuals across the state, particularly those who have faced barriers in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment.
In an encouraging sign of interest, nearly 600 GPs in NSW have expressed a willingness to undergo training to become ‘endorsed prescribers’ for ADHD. This initiative is part of the second phase of reforms aimed at improving ADHD care. The first phase, introduced in September 2023, permitted GPs trained as ‘continuation prescribers’ to write repeat prescriptions for patients already diagnosed with ADHD. This change has already saved families between USD 500 and 1,400 per year, alleviating some of the financial strain associated with ADHD management.
Historically, patients seeking ADHD care faced a challenging system dominated by non-GP specialists, often characterized by long wait times and high consultation fees. This was particularly detrimental for those in rural areas, where access to specialists is even more limited. Since the implementation of the first stage of reforms, over 800 specialist GPs have completed the necessary training, allowing more than 5,000 patients to benefit from improved access to prescriptions. The introduction of these changes has resulted in over 18,000 scripts being filled, demonstrating the immediate impact on patient care.
Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, Chair of RACGP NSW&ACT, emphasized the significance of enabling patients to receive an ADHD diagnosis from a specialist GP. She noted, “The evidence indicates up to 10% of children and 6% of adults live with ADHD. This is a common condition that can be diagnosed and managed well by a specialist GP with appropriate training. The reforms announced by the NSW Government will make a huge difference to thousands of patients in our state. Access to an ADHD diagnosis and ongoing care is very often life-changing.”
Enhanced Care Through Whole-Of-Person Approach
Dr. Will Errington, Deputy Chair of RACGP Specific Interests in ADHD, ASD, and Neurodiversity, highlighted the comprehensive care that GPs can provide for patients with ADHD. “The changes mean more patients can receive this care more easily, from their initial diagnosis to the essential ongoing care that helps patients succeed at every stage of their lives,” he stated. ADHD can significantly affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including sleep patterns, education, and interpersonal relationships.
Errington pointed out that GPs are uniquely positioned to deliver whole-of-person care, ensuring that patients thrive in their academic, professional, and personal lives. The positive impact of this approach is illustrated in the story of 21-year-old Lucia Porteus, a psychology graduate who experienced firsthand the challenges of ADHD. “What helped me most to overcome the challenges of ADHD was not just medication but also the continued access to treatment and support I received from my ADHD coach, my school, my paediatricians, my GPs, and my family,” she explained.
Her journey underscores the importance of consistent support in overcoming ADHD-related challenges. Lucia graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and is now considering further academic pursuits to assist others with disabilities and mental health issues. She remarked, “I know I have been lucky. Many of my peers have struggled to access medication or a diagnosis for ADHD because of costs and long wait lists, but this new policy will remove those barriers for so many people.”
The NSW Government’s reforms are set to reshape the landscape of ADHD diagnosis and treatment in the state. By expanding the role of specialist GPs, the aim is to provide timely and effective care for those living with ADHD, ultimately fostering better health outcomes and improving quality of life for thousands.
