GP ADHD Prescribing in Australia

Yes, in some Australian states your GP can now formally diagnose ADHD. In Queensland, trained GPs have been able to diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication for adults since November 2024. In other states, GPs can conduct initial screening and refer to a specialist for formal diagnosis, or continue medication once a specialist has made the initial diagnosis. Check the state-by-state guide above for your state's specific rules.

It depends on your state. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and dexamphetamine are Schedule 8 (controlled) medications, so prescribing authority varies by jurisdiction. In Queensland, trained GPs can initiate these prescriptions for adults. In NSW (from March 2026), GPs can continue prescriptions started by a specialist. In other states, you currently need a psychiatrist or paediatrician to prescribe stimulant medications. Non-stimulant ADHD medications like atomoxetine have fewer restrictions.

Not necessarily, depending on your state. In Queensland, a trained GP can diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication without a psychiatrist referral for adults. In NSW, you still need a specialist for the initial prescription, but your GP can then manage ongoing prescriptions. In states like Victoria and Tasmania, specialist involvement is still required for stimulant prescribing. However, a GP can screen you for ADHD, prescribe non-stimulant medications, and manage referrals in every state.

Wait times for a psychiatrist ADHD assessment in Australia typically range from 6 to 18 months, depending on your location. Rural and regional areas often face the longest waits. This is a key reason Australian states are expanding GP prescribing rights — to reduce these wait times and improve access to diagnosis and treatment. In Queensland, seeing a trained GP for ADHD assessment can be done within normal GP booking timeframes.

Yes, in some states. Queensland GPs with approved training can initiate stimulant prescriptions for adults since November 2024. NSW GPs can continue specialist-initiated prescriptions from March 2026. SA, WA, and ACT have partial reforms underway. VIC, TAS, and NT still require specialist initiation for stimulants. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine can be prescribed by GPs in all states with fewer restrictions.

Training requirements vary by state but generally include an approved ADHD-specific training module covering DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, assessment methodology, stimulant prescribing protocols, and ongoing monitoring. Queensland's approved pathway is the current benchmark — it includes online learning modules and clinical competency assessment. Contact your state health department or the RACGP for specific training requirements in your jurisdiction.

GPs diagnosing ADHD should use validated DSM-5 aligned assessment tools that systematically evaluate all diagnostic criteria: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, childhood onset, functional impairment, and differential diagnosis. ClientForms provides a comprehensive Adult ADHD Assessment covering all DSM-5 criteria with auto-scoring and criterion grouping, plus a Child ADHD Assessment (ages 5-17) completed by parents. Comorbidity screening (GAD-7 for anxiety, PHQ-9 for depression, AQ-10 for autism) is also recommended as part of a thorough assessment.

ADHD medication (particularly stimulants like dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine) is regulated at both federal and state level in Australia. While PBS listing is federal, the authority to prescribe Schedule 8 stimulants is regulated by each state and territory individually. This means each jurisdiction implements reforms on its own timeline, with its own training requirements and regulatory frameworks. Queensland moved first due to acute psychiatrist shortages affecting ADHD diagnosis access.

In Queensland, shared-care with a psychiatrist is required for patients under 18, but not for adult patients. In NSW (Stage 2), the initial prescription must come from a specialist, but GPs can then continue prescribing independently. In the ACT, GPs can continue specialist-initiated prescriptions with a documented handover. Requirements vary by state — check your jurisdiction's specific rules in the state-by-state guide above.

A GP ADHD assessment is typically covered under Medicare (bulk-billed or with a gap payment of $40-$90), compared to a private psychiatrist assessment which costs $400-$800+ out-of-pocket. GP assessments may require longer appointments (30-60 minutes) which attract a higher Medicare item number. Using a validated digital assessment tool like ClientForms means patients complete the detailed questionnaire before the appointment, making the GP consultation more efficient.

Yes. ClientForms is designed for Australian clinicians with all data hosted in Australia (Sydney region), AES-256 encryption, and compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles. Assessment forms are DSM-5 aligned with auto-scoring and criterion grouping. The free tier includes 10 responses per month with no credit card required — enough for most GPs starting ADHD assessments.

Auto-scoring means patient responses are automatically calculated and grouped by DSM-5 diagnostic criteria — inattention symptoms, hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, onset age, functional impairment, and differential diagnosis. Instead of manually tallying responses across a multi-page form, you receive a structured criterion report showing which diagnostic criteria are met and which are not. This saves 15-30 minutes per assessment and reduces scoring errors.