QLD GP’s to diagnose ADHD
During the RACGP's (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) national conference in Brisbane on Saturday, 15 November, Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls declared that, beginning on 1 December 2025, Queensland's 9,600 Specialist GPs will be permitted to "initiate, modify, and continue prescribing psychostimulant medications for the treatment of adults with ADHD."
This announcement was made in light of the persistent lack of access to psychiatrists and ongoing shortages of ADHD medications across the country.
Under current regulations, Specialist GPs can only prescribe psychostimulant medications to individuals with ADHD who are under 17; adults can only obtain these prescriptions after being assessed by a specialist psychiatrist. Dr Cath Hester, chair of RACGP Queensland, said the policy change allowing specialist GPs to prescribe to adult patients is "a very natural, very safe progression."
The national guidelines that general practitioners in Queensland will adhere to have been formulated in consultation with medical specialists, including psychiatrists and paediatricians, from across Australia. As many specialist GPs in Queensland diagnose and manage ADHD in children aged four to 18, no additional training will be compulsory.
Managing complex conditions such as ADHD is part of the extensive specialist training Queensland GPs receive to acquire their fellowship in general practice. "It actually makes general practice the natural home for managing conditions like ADHD, which we know are lifelong and that often present in childhood and often present through families", Dr Hester said.
It's important to point out that all specialist GPs choose their own scope of practice, which means that not all GPs will decide to diagnose and treat ADHD and thus not prescribe stimulant medication. Some specialist GPs might still opt for formal upskilling before feeling comfortable in diagnosing ADHD (plus other mental health conditions) and managing medications for patients who are commencing or continuing their treatment.
The best way to know whether your GP can diagnose, treat, and manage ADHD is to ask them directly. If the answer is no, don't fret. Ask your GP if they can recommend a GP who will provide this service. If they don't have any recommendations, then Google is your friend.
We’re happy to help if you have any questions that Google can’t answer. Send an email to admin@drmattharvey.com.au
