Statement attributed to Dr Astha Tomar, President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP):

ADHD is a common, frequently under-recognised, and often untreated neurodevelopmental condition in Australia. People should be able to access the care and treatment they need to manage their ADHD symptoms in everyday life.

GPs play an important role in mental health care, as ADHD diagnosis and treatment is often complex. The best model of care is that of shared with psychiatrists as specialists—multidisciplinary, holistic, and tailored to the individual.

People deserve access to treatment, care and support to have a correct diagnosis and manage their treatment safely and effectively. ADHD care goes beyond medication, it requires an understanding of coexisting mental health conditions that are common in people with ADHD.

There are growing concerns about ADHD being over diagnosed across the world, and there are significant risks with potential misdiagnosis of the condition. 

ADHD symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions and medications for ADHD are not without significant side effects - thus needing a specialist psychiatrist involvement and ongoing oversight in management of the condition in individuals. 

Psychiatrists are uniquely trained to assess, diagnose, and manage ADHD, particularly when other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance use are also present.  They undertake a comprehensive assessment of the individual, considering a host of factors - biological, psychological, and social, when forming a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Any move to expand prescribing powers must be accompanied by specialised GP training and ongoing clinical oversight from psychiatrists with ADHD expertise.

Once the treating psychiatrist has established a diagnosis and initiated treatment, particularly medication, a shared care model can often be implemented with GPs. This is to ensure people receive the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and the right support at all times. 

There are other barriers to ADHD care that also need to be addressed, including inconsistencies in how ADHD care is managed across states, ongoing medication shortages, and hurdles people face to get their prescriptions dispensed.  

Addressing them requires considered reform and ongoing collaboration between governments and the mental health sector. 

RANZCP, as the peak body of psychiatrists, is keen to work with governments and other professional bodies to ensure access to safe, effective and evidence-based care for people living with ADHD.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Please contact Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

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.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.