GP ADHD Prescribing in South Australia
South Australia's GP ADHD prescribing program has been live since 28 February 2026. Up to 100 RACGP-trained GPs can now independently assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe stimulant medication for patients aged 8 and over — no psychiatrist or paediatrician referral required. Here's everything SA patients and GPs need to know.
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What's Changed in South Australia?
Since 28 February 2026, trained GPs in South Australia can independently prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD — no specialist referral needed.
Previous Rules
- Only specialists (psychiatrists/paediatricians) could initiate stimulant prescriptions
- GPs limited to shared-care continuation after specialist initiation
- Wait times of 6-18 months for specialist ADHD assessment in Adelaide
- Longer wait times in regional South Australia
- Patients needed specialist review for prescription changes
Live Since 28 February 2026
- Up to 100 GPs trained through RACGP partnership
- Trained GPs can independently assess, diagnose, and prescribe
- Patients aged 8+ (children and adults)
- No psychiatrist or paediatrician referral required
- SA Drugs of Dependence Unit manages Schedule 8 approvals (up to 5 years)
How SA Got Here
Reforms announced
SA Government announces ADHD prescribing reforms following QLD model
GPs complete online training
100 GPs complete two RACGP online modules
In-person training sessions
Full-day education sessions held for trained GPs
SA goes live
Trained GPs can independently assess, diagnose, and prescribe for ages 8+
SA GP Prescribing Framework
The SA framework, modelled on Queensland's approach, includes the following elements.
RACGP Training Pathway
GPs completed two RACGP online modules (end of 2025) plus a full-day in-person education session (February 2026) covering DSM-5 criteria, clinical assessment, and stimulant prescribing protocols.
DSM-5 Clinical Assessment
Comprehensive clinical assessment covering all DSM-5 ADHD diagnostic criteria is required before initiating any treatment. Digital tools like ClientForms streamline this process.
Ages 8+ (Children & Adults)
Trained GPs can independently assess and prescribe for patients aged 8 and over, covering both children and adults. No psychiatrist or paediatrician referral is required.
Schedule 8 Authority (Up to 5 Years)
SA's Drugs of Dependence Unit manages Schedule 8 approvals. Trained GPs receive authority for up to 5 years, with ongoing monitoring and review requirements.
ADHD Medications Available in SA
These PBS-listed stimulant medications are now available through trained GPs in South Australia, as well as through specialist prescribers.
Methylphenidate
Available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. PBS-listed for ADHD with appropriate authority prescribing. First-line treatment option for adult ADHD.
Lisdexamfetamine
Long-acting prodrug stimulant with once-daily dosing. PBS-listed for ADHD with appropriate authority prescribing. Smooth onset and duration, lower abuse potential than other stimulants.
Non-stimulant medications (e.g. atomoxetine) can be prescribed by GPs in all states with fewer restrictions. Always verify current PBS listings and authority requirements.
How It Works for Patients in SA
Here's how SA patients can access ADHD assessment and treatment through a trained GP.
Find a Trained GP
Check the RACGP website for a list of trained GPs in your area. You can book directly with a trained GP — no specialist referral is needed for patients aged 8+.
Get Assessed
A comprehensive DSM-5 clinical assessment is conducted covering symptoms, childhood onset, functional impairment, and differential diagnosis. Digital assessment tools streamline this process.
Start Treatment
Your trained GP can independently prescribe stimulant medication and manage ongoing care. SA's Drugs of Dependence Unit handles Schedule 8 approvals, with authority granted for up to 5 years.
For SA GPs: Getting Started
Steps for South Australian GPs who want to prescribe ADHD medication independently.
Complete RACGP Training
Complete the RACGP ADHD training pathway: two online modules plus a full-day in-person education session. Up to 100 GPs have already completed this training.
Use DSM-5 Assessment Tools
Use validated DSM-5 assessment tools for clinical assessment. ClientForms provides auto-scored assessments with criterion grouping for efficient clinical review.
Apply for Schedule 8 Authority
Apply through SA's Drugs of Dependence Unit for Schedule 8 prescribing authority. Authority is granted for up to 5 years, allowing independent ADHD prescribing for patients aged 8+.
ADHD Assessment Tools for SA GPs
Validated DSM-5 assessment tools with instant scoring and criterion grouping, used by trained SA GPs for independent ADHD assessment.
Clinical Assessment Forms
Adult ADHD Assessment (DSM-5), Child ADHD Assessment, plus comorbidity screening tools — all auto-scored with criterion grouping.
Free ADHD Screener
Quick ADHD screening test patients can try before booking an appointment. Results can be shared with their GP to inform the clinical assessment.
Common Questions About GP ADHD Prescribing in South Australia
Can my GP prescribe ADHD medication in South Australia?
Yes — since 28 February 2026, trained GPs in South Australia can independently assess, diagnose, and prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD in patients aged 8 and over. No psychiatrist or paediatrician referral is required. Up to 100 GPs have completed the RACGP training pathway and are now prescribing. You can find a trained GP through the RACGP website, which maintains a public list. Non-stimulant medications (e.g. atomoxetine) can also be prescribed by GPs with fewer restrictions.
When did SA GP ADHD prescribing go live?
South Australia's GP ADHD prescribing program went live on 28 February 2026. Up to 100 GPs completed the required RACGP training — two online modules (completed end of 2025) plus a full-day in-person education session (February 2026) — and are now independently prescribing. SA's Drugs of Dependence Unit manages Schedule 8 approvals, with authority granted for up to 5 years.
What training did SA GPs complete?
SA GPs completed a two-part RACGP training pathway: (1) Two online training modules covering DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, clinical assessment, and stimulant prescribing protocols, completed by end of 2025, and (2) A full-day in-person education session held in February 2026. Up to 100 GPs completed this training through the RACGP partnership. The RACGP maintains a public list of trained GPs on their website so patients can find a qualified prescriber.
How do I find a trained ADHD GP in Adelaide or SA?
The RACGP maintains a public list of trained GPs on their website. Up to 100 GPs across South Australia have completed the RACGP ADHD training pathway and can independently assess, diagnose, and prescribe for patients aged 8+. You can also ask your current GP if they have completed the training, or contact your local Primary Health Network for a referral to a trained GP in your area.
How long are ADHD wait times in Adelaide?
Specialist ADHD wait times in Adelaide have historically ranged from 6 to 18 months, with regional SA facing even longer waits. Since 28 February 2026, trained GPs can now independently assess and prescribe for ADHD without a specialist referral, significantly reducing wait times. Patients aged 8 and over can book directly with a trained GP — check the RACGP website for a list of qualified prescribers in your area.
Sources & Further Reading
- SA Health (opens in new tab) — South Australia health reforms, prescribing regulations, and ADHD policy updates
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) (opens in new tab) — GP training resources and clinical guidelines for ADHD
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (opens in new tab) — Official PBS medicine listings including methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine authority requirements
. Information is general guidance only — verify current rules with SA Health before prescribing.
See the full state-by-state guide: GP ADHD Prescribing in Australia →
Queensland GP prescribing (live since Nov 2024): GP ADHD Prescribing in Queensland →
NSW (from March 2026): GP ADHD Prescribing in NSW →
Victoria (reforms under consultation): GP ADHD Prescribing in Victoria →
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