Australia expands ADHD diagnosis and treatment access

New initiatives in Australia are set to broaden access to ADHD diagnosis and medication. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to expand subsidized access to two non-stimulant medicines, atomoxetine and guanfacine. These medications would be available to patients who have not responded adequately to stimulants or for whom stimulants are clinically inappropriate.

In New South Wales, health reforms are enabling hundreds of general practitioners (GPs) to assess, diagnose, and prescribe ADHD medication for both adults and children. Approximately 300 GPs have completed specialized training to facilitate this shift. This move aims to reduce long wait times for specialists and provide more affordable care, particularly for those in regional, rural, and remote communities.

To ensure clinical safety, trained GPs will receive support from specialist psychiatrists and pediatricians through the Virtual Psychiatry Hub and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. The new assessment process will utilize extended GP appointments rather than standard short consultations.