03/12/2025
From 1 December, Queensland has introduced long-awaited changes allowing specially qualified GPs to diagnose, manage, and prescribe medication for adult ADHD. This reform aims to improve access to care and reduce long waits for specialist appointments â something many patients have struggled with for years.
At our practice, we know how challenging it can be to navigate symptoms, work, study, family life, and the uncertainty of waiting for assessment. These changes mean adults may now be able to get support sooner and closer to home, with a GP they already know and trust.
Itâs also important to understand that not every GP will choose to prescribe ADHD medication.
Prescribing is a significant clinical responsibility, and each doctor must decide whether this is an area they feel comfortable practising in. This is entirely appropriate â and ultimately up to each individual GP.
đ¨ââď¸ Why our doctors might not be offering ADHD treatment to every adult patient
Despite the new regulatory framework, at Edmonton Family Medical Centre we have a clear policy grounded in clinical responsibility, safety, and the need to match each patientâs needs with appropriate practitioner expertise. Specifically:
⢠The legislation and supporting guidance recognise that even though prescribing authority has expanded, it remains a matter of professional judgement whether diagnosing or managing ADHD is within a GPâs scope of practice.
⢠Our GPs specialise in certain areas of care â and while many of them provide mental-health support and chronic condition management, not all hold experience or confidence in diagnosing and prescribing for adult ADHD.
⢠For complex or ânon-straightforwardâ adult ADHD â particularly where there may be comorbidities (mental health, substance use, other medical issues) â the safest and most ethical decision is often to refer to a specialist with specific expertise (e.g., a psychiatrist or an ADHD-specialist clinician), or to continue collaborating with such a service.
Therefore, in some cases GPs at our practice may decline to prescribe or decide not to manage ADHD treatment â not out of disregard for patient welfare, but because they consider they do not have the specialist training, experience or scope to safely and ethically oversee your care.
What this change does mean is greater choice, better access and more pathways for adults who have been seeking assessment or treatment.
If youâre wondering whether ADHD might be part of your story, or if youâve been waiting for the right time to explore diagnosis or treatment, weâre here to help. Our team can discuss options, guide you through assessment, or organise referral if needed.
Your wellbeing comes first â and weâre committed to supporting you with care that is thorough, respectful, and centred around you.
If youâd like to know more, please get in touch.
