South Australian psychiatrists say enabling GPs to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people aged eight and up is a step in the right direction, while more work is needed to address ongoing challenges in access to psychiatric care for people with complex ADHD. 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists South Australian Branch (RANZCP SA) has welcomed today’s state government announcement, which will allow General Practitioners (GPs) to diagnose people aged eight years and over with ADHD from early next year.  

RANZCP SA Branch Chair Dr Patrick Clarke described the move as an important and encouraging step towards improving access to care for individuals with ADHD. 

“There has been a significant and longstanding gap in access to treatment and support for South Australians with ADHD, which we are now beginning to address,” Dr Clarke said. 

“Our GP colleagues play a vital role as the initial point of contact for people with ADHD. They can manage many ADHD presentations, providing much-needed relief to those unable to obtain diagnosis or treatment from a psychiatrist or paediatrician due to workforce shortages, lengthy waitlists, or high costs. 

“As psychiatrists who have long been at the forefront of ADHD care, we appreciate being consulted during the decision-making process. Today’s announcement is a testament to the value of collaborative mental health care and the outcomes it can achieve for people. 

“The SA Branch has been advocating for improved access to ADHD services for six years, and we are pleased with the SA Government's genuine commitment and efforts to support the state’s neurodiverse community,” Dr Clarke said. 

The RANZCP SA Branch notes there are several other considerations the health sector must address to ensure everyone receives the quality, scale and level of care required to manage their ADHD. 

“We must remember that this is not a quick fix for all the challenges associated with ADHD care in the state,” Dr Clarke added. 

“GPs, paediatricians, and psychiatrists all agree that people with more complex presentations of ADHD should have access to psychiatrists and other specialists to help treat and manage their condition. 

“Currently, there is a significant shortfall in access to specialist support, stemming from an epidemic of Australians experiencing mental health issues, combined with a longstanding, chronic and nationwide shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health specialists. 

“The RANZCP remains committed to working with the SA and Federal Governments to address this shortage in the long term, and with other medical colleges and health professionals to improve access to appropriate mental health care for those who need it. 

“Here in South Australia, we have made considerable progress in improving the availability of mental health care through initiatives such as the recent Psychiatry Workforce Plan: South Australia, with the state government funding its first year of implementation. 

“It goes to show that the Malinauskas Government is serious about fixing the state’s mental health system by listening to those who rely on it and those who work within it,” Dr Clarke said. 

For media inquiries, 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.  

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