'Life-changing' reforms to allow NSW GPs to diagnose patients with ADHD
Select GPs in NSW will soon be able to diagnose patients with ADHD following a reform doctors have praised as "life-changing", making it quicker and easier for families to receive care.
The NSW government said that nearly 600 GPs across the state have already expressed their interest in completing the required training to be able to diagnose ADHD as 'endorsed prescribers', under the new reforms.
RACGP NSW and ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the new reforms will change lives for ADHD patients and families.
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The NSW government reported that nearly 600 GPs across the state have already expressed their interest in completing the required training to be able to diagnose ADHD. Getty
"The evidence indicates up to 10 per cent of children, and six per cent of adults, live with ADHD," she said.
"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."
The reforms' first stage, implemented in September last year, allows GPs to fill repeat ADHD medication scripts, saving some families up to $1400 a year.
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The reforms' first stage allows GPs to fill repeat ADHD medication scripts. Glen McCurtayne
More than 800 specialist GPs have now completed training to be able to prescribe ADHD medication since September 1.
Psychology graduate Lucia Porteus said that access to treatment and support was crucial in overcoming the challenges of her ADHD diagnosis.
"Their support helped me to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from UNSW," she said.
"I'm currently looking at completing post-grad or honours to help people with disabilities and mental health issues to succeed, too."
"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."
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