GPs in Queensland will be able to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD from tomorrow

ABC NEWS (Australia)

In an Australian first, specialist GPs in Queensland will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults from tomorrow. But with state and territories looking at different ways to cut wait times and costs for patients, there are calls for a uniform approach.

Transcript

00:00It's the missing piece that Casey Ann Mabbott is waiting for.

00:06A diagnosis would mean that I'd be able to get the support that I need.

00:09It's been two years since she got a referral for an ADHD assessment, but is yet to have

00:14an appointment.

00:15She's seen how life-changing a diagnosis has been for her sister.

00:19I feel like it helped me gain control of some of the things that I had lost complete control

00:25of in my life.

00:26In Queensland, specialist GPs can currently diagnose ADHD and prescribe treatment for

00:33children aged four and older.

00:36From the 1st of December, they'll be able to do this for adults too.

00:40This is great news for patients and it's going to massively remove red tape and regulatory

00:44roadblocks so they can get access to the care they need.

00:47He says psychologists and psychiatrists will still play a role.

00:52If you're curious to whether you've got ADHD and you're wanting an assessment, that's

00:56a much more deep discussion and there will be several steps to that.

00:59Queensland will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to give GPs the scope to diagnose

01:06ADHD in adults.

01:08But some health professionals have concerns there won't be any specific training.

01:13I'm very disappointed to hear that in Queensland the changes are not going to be supported by

01:21any training.

01:22Miss Mabbitt says seeking support for an assessment from her GP makes sense.

01:28She knows us very well.

01:29She knows the whole family.

01:33They're not going to be doing the same thing.

01:42OK

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