In May this year the New South Wales Government announced reforms that would allow general practitioners (GPs) to treat and diagnose attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Now the reforms are coming into play.

From September, GPs across the state will be able to resupply prescriptions with ADHD medication to their patients without the need for a formal arrangement with a psychiatrist or paediatrician. 

Coonamble-based psychologist Stephanie Ryan says the change would be a game-changer for people living in rural and regional communities.

"Access to psychiatrists and paediatricians can involve long waitlists — often six months to over a year — and travel to major centres," she said.

"Empowering local GPs with the ability to diagnose and manage ADHD will make it easier for families to access support earlier and more conveniently."

Mrs Ryan also said the streamlined diagnosis would be beneficial for the health and development of children with ADHD. 

Stephanie Ryan of Psychologic Solutions.

"Children with clear ADHD presentations may be able to start treatment under the care of their GP, which is critical because delays in intervention can have serious impacts on a child’s learning, self-esteem, and social development," Mrs Ryan said. 

"This change also has the potential to reduce pressure on specialist services and improve mental health outcomes more broadly by reducing wait times.

"Ultimately, it’s a step in the right direction for equity in mental health care — particularly for regional and rural communities."

The NSW Government is currently accepting expressions of interest for GPs who wish to undertake training to be able to diagnose ADHD.

NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the reforms were all about fairness.

“We are building a system where ADHD care is based on need, not income. No more waiting lists just to refill your script. No more reaching for your credit card to access essential healthcare," she said

“These reforms are about fairness. Your ability to get help for ADHD shouldn’t depend on how much money you have or whether you can afford a specialist appointment.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson. IMAGE: NSW Labor

Further training to enable GPs to diagnose and initiate medication will begin by the end of 2025.