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December 1, 2025 \u2014 4:13pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n Save this article for later<\/p>\n Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n Got it<\/p>\n Queensland GPs can now diagnose and prescribe medication for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, saving patients hundreds of dollars, in a move described as life changing for people living with the condition.<\/p>\n Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced last month<\/a> that GPs would be able to diagnose and manage the treatment of adults with ADHD \u2013 a condition marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity \u2013 with the changes to come into effect from December 1.<\/p>\n Nicholls said almost 1000 GPs had enrolled for additional training to deliver ADHD care, from a cohort of 9000, since the announcement was made.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a phenomenal result and shows just how much this service is both needed and how seriously GPs take the delivery of these services,\u201d Nicholls said.<\/p>\n ADHD affects an estimated 1 million Australians, including more than 530,000 adults.<\/p>\n Related Article Queensland GPs have been able to diagnose and treat children aged between four and 17 with ADHD since 2017.<\/p>\n Until now, adults seeking diagnosis have had to visit a specialist, usually a psychiatrist, with a referral from a GP.<\/p>\n Such specialist appointments can cost upwards of $1000 and incur waiting periods of up to a year, making care inaccessible for many people.<\/p>\n The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) estimates the new reform will save patients between $500 and $1400 a year in out-of-pocket expenses and expedite diagnoses. <\/p>\n The move has not been without criticism. A Brisbane-based GP who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity said the process to identify ADHD was based on \u201cvague inclusion criteria\u201d, which could lead to a surge in false diagnoses.<\/p>\n They also expressed fears the change could trigger a potentially unethical rise in health experts providing diagnosis \u2013 and access to drugs \u2013 for payment.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s being sold as a cheaper option to come and see a GP, but the market will absolutely adapt, so the GPs will then charge more because it\u2019s a sought-after service,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n BeyondGP director Dr Carmel Toole said that GPs were trained to recognise ADHD and often had more in-depth relationships with their patients than psychiatrists did. But she said the success of the scheme was dependent on access to training.<\/p>\n Related Article \u201cIt\u2019s complex for all parties concerned and training is vital,\u201d Toole told 4BC Mornings.<\/p>\n \u201cI think GPs and psychiatrists alike, while welcoming the ease of access for patients, are concerned about quality care in the absence of training.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like the general public to take a bit of a deep breath and allow their GPs time to find their feet with this and to access training.\u201d<\/p>\n Nicholls said the scheme would be monitored in line with other states introducing similar changes.<\/p>\n \u201cThis hasn\u2019t been done overnight. This has been done through collaboration over a lengthy period of time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Start the day with a summary of the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Queensland](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0083c938abaf416d0578c88b9bfea81877af2005c273d4b08b750a8594b28a51.jpeg\")
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the changes to ADHD care for adults at the RACGP conference in Brisbane last month. RACGP<\/p>\n![\"It](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/79971f9a73ff10841f4400a3bc8ca4cff7987a8812c8a0366a7e6769cdcc0a8b.jpeg\")
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