GPs are urging the next Queensland Government to cut red tape and make it easier for them to support adults and children living with ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition, affects between 6-10% of Australian children and adolescents and 2-6% of adults, according to current data.
Amanda Gorman, owner of Distract’d and a person living with ADHD, explained how challenging it is for Queenslanders to access timely care, with wait times for psychiatrists often stretching for months.
“If we could cut red tape and ensure more GPs in Queensland had more support to diagnose and manage care for children and adults living with ADHD, it would be life-changing for so many across the state,” said Ms Gorman.
“I found out I had ADHD when I took my eight-year-old daughter to our GP because she was struggling in school. That’s how many adults today are diagnosed.”
Ms Gorman said that she was one of the fortunate few who could rely on her GP and psychiatrist working together to manage her diagnosis.
“It has taken the load off my psychiatrist, but not all Queenslanders can turn to their GPs for ADHD care because many GPs aren’t trained to identify or manage the condition,” she said.
Before her diagnosis and treatment, Ms Gorman struggled with everyday tasks.
“I can’t tell you how many times I was late paying bills or had trouble focusing at work. In school, my family considered holding me back a year. I can’t help but wonder how different my life might have been if my GP at the time was trained in ADHD,” she said.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is advocating for the Queensland Government to cut red tape and make it easier for GPs to provide essential healthcare to Queenslanders living with ADHD.
Dr Bruce Willet, RACGP Queensland Immediate Past Chair, emphasised that ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Empowering GPs, who are the most frequently accessed healthcare professionals, could significantly ease the burden on the wider healthcare system.
“Every appointment with a psychiatrist costs Queenslanders between $300 to $400 out-of-pocket, and the wait times are extensive,” Dr Willet said.
“Untreated ADHD can lead to significant psychological, financial, academic, and social challenges.
“Children living with untreated ADHD are at higher risk of mental health issues in adulthood, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and antisocial behaviour. In fact, the estimated cost of crime related to ADHD in Queensland is more than $60 million per year.
“If we cut red tape and supported GPs to diagnosie and provide treatment, it would not only speed up the process but also make it more affordable for Queenslanders.
“Medical treatment plays a crucial role in ADHD management, and access to medications greatly improves patients' quality of life. A GP trained in ADHD care could ensure continuity of care, making treatment more accessible and sustainable for the long term.
“Expanding the ADHD-trained workforce would help Queenslanders, both young and old, get the support they need when they need it—whether at work or school, enabling them to function at their best.”