The Malinauskas Labor Government is introducing life-changing reforms to make it more accessible and cheaper for South Australians to receive a diagnosis and treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Backed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Government’s reforms will allow GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD in children and adults, significantly reducing costs and lengthy wait times associated with having to go through a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
From 2026, additional training will be made available to South Australian GPs, enabling them to diagnose ADHD, provide support to patients and families and prescribe medication to assist with learning, development and workplace challenges without the need for specialist appointments.
The new approach will ensure South Australians receive faster personalised holistic care, with shorter diagnosis wait times and cheaper overall treatment. Importantly it will also allow greater access to this important health care in outer metropolitan and regional areas.
Currently in South Australia adults seeking a diagnosis must first see a psychiatrist for assessment and children must see a paediatrician.
Specialist appointments are often expensive, with many patients paying upwards of $2000 and waiting months or years to receive a diagnosis for the complex condition.
It is estimated that one in 20 Australians has ADHD, with the condition affecting an individual’s thinking, communication and behaviour. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness.
In recent years, greater understanding of the condition has led to increased demand for ADHD assessments across Australia.
The reforms are also expected to ease pressure on key specialty areas, including psychiatry and paediatrics.
Importantly, the reforms will allow specialist GPs to provide holistic care for their patients with ADHD. This includes addressing other key aspects of care such as sleep hygiene and screen time, coordinating referrals to educational and behavioural management programs, counselling and support groups.
Accredited training will be provided through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, with additional ongoing support to be provided post-training.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, said these game-changing reforms will improve the lives of children and adults across the state.
“We know many South Australians currently face lengthy wait times and huge costs to access a diagnosis and treatment. Children can struggle academically and socially as a result of ADHD and we want to reduce any delays in them receiving help,” he said.
Dr Siân Goodson, SA Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said early intervention sets children up for success at school and throughout their lives. For adults, a diagnosis and access to treatment by a GP who knows you can be life-changing.
