GPs in Victoria will be authorised to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for children and adults under a new state government program.
The Victorian government says the change will bring the state into line with New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, where trained general practitioners already play a greater role in ADHD care.
Premier Jacinta Allan is set to announce a $750,000 plan to train an initial cohort of 150 GPs, enabling them to diagnose, manage and prescribe medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by September.
Under the model, participating GPs will also assess non-medication treatment options, including behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and education-based supports, where appropriate. The government said this approach aligns with best-practice ADHD treatment frameworks.
At present, most patients seeking an ADHD diagnosis and ongoing prescriptions must see a specialist, typically a paediatrician for children or a psychiatrist for adults. The Victorian government said this requirement often results in significant out-of-pocket costs and wait times of between six and 12 months.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has advocated for expanded GP-led ADHD care and estimates that about 163,000 Victorian children and 320,000 adults may be living with the condition.
Ms Allan said the reform was aimed at improving access and affordability for families navigating the health system. She said the government wanted to ensure no child or family was disadvantaged by complexity, cost or long delays.
