South Australians will soon find it cheaper and simpler to access diagnosis and treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, as new reforms introduced by the SA Government come into effect. The program will allow specially trained general practitioners to provide care for the condition, with a pledge from Labor to expand the initiative further.
From tomorrow, patients aged eight years and older can visit a GP trained in ADHD assessment and treatment rather than going through a paediatrician or psychiatrist. The change is expected to save families both time and money, with specialist appointments previously costing upwards of $2000 and often requiring months-long waits.
Today, 100 GPs across South Australia are completing a full-day in-person training course to equip them with the skills to assess, diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD. The selection of these doctors has been guided by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, with support from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the Royal Australian College of Physicians. The first group includes 60 metropolitan and 40 regional practitioners, targeting areas where specialist services have been historically limited.
Labor has committed $350,000 to train an additional 100 GPs, doubling the number of doctors able to provide ADHD care across the state. Training for the second group is expected to be completed this year, further widening access to local and affordable care.
Chris Picton, Minister for Health, described the reforms as “life-changing for South Australians with ADHD,” highlighting the benefits for both children and adults. “Allowing specially trained GPs to assess, diagnose and treat ADHD in their patients, from start to finish, will improve the lives of children and adults across the state. It’s going to save families and individuals time and money, and importantly will provide greater access to vital health care.”
Dr Siân Goodson, SA Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, welcomed the initiative, saying it makes care more accessible, particularly in regional areas. “GPs have been managing patients with ADHD post diagnosis for a long time, so this is a natural progression. Equipping GPs with the skills to diagnose and manage ADHD will ease pressure on other specialists and ensure patients can receive timely, locally delivered support,” she said.
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that can affect daily life. Estimates suggest up to eight per cent of Australian children and up to five per cent of adults have the condition. South Australia has previously led reforms in flexible access to ADHD medication and is now expanding that approach to diagnosis.
The training combines online modules, completed by the end of 2025, with the current in-person course and ongoing peer-supported learning sessions. This approach aims to give GPs the confidence and expertise to provide holistic, continuous care.
By broadening the range of practitioners able to diagnose and treat ADHD, the program seeks to reduce wait times, lower costs and make care more equitable, particularly for those living outside metropolitan areas. The Malinauskas Government says the reforms will allow GPs to practise at the top of their expertise while ensuring patients have access to timely, high-quality treatment.
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