Strengthening ADHD care with a national, co-ordinated approach

11 May 2026

Monash University addiction specialists have proposed a framework to ensure patients receive high-quality care when they see a GP for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Living with ADHD can have a substantial impact on people’s ability to work, socialise, maintain relationships and function. A recent report by the ABC's Four Corners program shone a light on the challenges faced by many Australians in accessing care.

Psychiatrists currently conduct the bulk of ADHD diagnoses, which often means long waits and high costs. Expanding ADHD assessment and treatment to trained GPs would significantly improve access, especially in communities where specialist services are limited.

However, clear national guidelines and practice frameworks are needed to ensure people with ADHD receive high-quality, evidence-based care, say addiction specialists A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri and Adjunct Clinical A/Prof Thileepan Naren.

In a new paper in the Internal Medicine Journal with co-authors Max Hankin and Anthony Hew, also featured in The Conversation, they propose a framework to ensure patients receive high-quality care when they see a GP for ADHD assessments or management.

This nationally coordinated framework should include a focus on both prescriber-related policy changes and broader system reform to promote safer care, including:

mandatory training for all ADHD prescribers
formalised shared care pathways across GP, paediatric and psychiatric care
structured templates for GPs, including the minimum information required before stimulant scripts can be prescribed
periodic review of medications, side effects, effectiveness and whether they are still needed
stronger regulation of the advertising and business models of prescribing services
research, evaluation and monitoring of the changes to ADHD prescribing, including any adverse impacts or medical complications.

By incorporating these safeguards to prevent overdiagnosis, we can shape how ADHD care is delivered throughout Australia, minimise unintended consequences and together build a national, co-ordinated approach.