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 waiting times and costs for patients, there are calls for a uniform approach.
00:00It's the missing piece that Casey Ann Mabbitt 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 an appointment.
00:15She's seen how life-changing a diagnosis has been for her sister.
00:20I feel like it helped me gain control of some of the things that I had lost complete control of in my life.
00:26In Queensland, specialist GPs can currently diagnose ADHD and prescribe treatment for children aged 4 and older.
00:35From 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 roadblocks 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 a much more deep discussion and there'll be several steps to that.
00:59Queensland will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to give GPs the scope to diagnose ADHD in adults.
01:08But some health professionals have concerns there won't be any specific training.
01:13Very disappointed to hear that in Queensland the changes are not going to be supported by any training.
01:22Miss Mabbitt says seeking support for an assessment from her GP makes sense.
01:28She knows us very well, she knows the whole family.
Be the first to comment