Victorian psychiatrists say enabling GPs to diagnose and treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children is a welcome development while emphasising the need for robust training for GPs and clear pathways to specialist care for complex presentations. 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Victorian Branch (RANZCP Victoria) has welcomed today's state government announcement, which will invest $750,000 to train 150 GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD by September this year. 

RANZCP Victoria Branch Chair Dr Simon Stafrace said there has been a significant gap in access to ADHD care in Victoria. 

"Our GP colleagues play a vital role as the initial point of contact for people with ADHD. With appropriate training and support, they can manage many ADHD presentations, providing much-needed relief to Victorians unable to obtain diagnosis or treatment from a psychiatrist or paediatrician due to workforce shortages and lengthy waitlists. 

“The RANZCP supports reforms aimed at reducing long waiting times and high out-of-pocket costs for individuals and families who have long struggled to access timely ADHD care and welcomes the Victorian Government announcement.” 

The RANZCP Victoria Branch said there will be several considerations to ensure everyone in the state receives the quality, scale and level of care required to manage the condition. 

"We must remember that this is not a quick fix for all the challenges associated with ADHD care in Victoria," Dr Stafrace said. 

"ADHD diagnosis must occur within the context of a comprehensive mental health assessment.  

“Difficulties with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity can reflect other mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental differences, trauma exposure, and social factors. Careful assessment is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

"People with more- complex presentations of ADHD need access to psychiatrists and other specialists to help treat and manage their condition. Safe implementation will require clear shared-care arrangements, strong clinical governance, and access to specialist advice for more complex presentations. 

"RANZCP Victoria looks forward to continuing to work with RACGP Victoria, as well as people with lived experience and the Victorian Government to support safe and effective implementation of the reforms announced today,” Dr Simon Stafrace said. 

Read the RANZCP’s full position statement on ADHD.

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.   

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org. 

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