GENERAL practitioners should practise to their full scope to support patients and families living with ADHD, offering them high-quality affordable and accessible care, says the Royal Australian College of GPs.

Expanded GP services would be most welcomed by the community, due to the high costs of specialist appointments and lengthy wait times, which are currently a major barrier for many Australians, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, said RACGP President Dr Michael Wright.

Queensland GPs have been treating ADHD since 2017 – it is the only state or territory where this expanded care has been approved.

“Untreated ADHD costs Australia over $20 billion each year,” said Dr Wright.

“The reforms we’re calling for aren’t just what patients on wait lists and their families have been calling for, they’re cost-effective and evidence based,” he explained.

“Up to 10% of children and adults live with ADHD, but early intervention can help them thrive.”

At the next Health Minister’s meeting, a harmonised approach between states for ADHD prescribing will be discussed, as well as other opportunities to access diagnosis and care.

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