Work

General practitioner management of adult ADHD: Challenges and implications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Queensland has recently allowed general practitioners (GPs) to diagnose and manage adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aiming to relieve pressure on specialist services. However, adult ADHD assessment is complex and requires multi-session evaluation, collateral information and differential diagnosis. Most GPs report limited time and training, and Medicare rebates favour brief over comprehensive consultations, making it difficult to deliver this level of care. As a result, the reforms may work paradoxically, increasing misdiagnosis risk and placing further strain on services. This viewpoint outlines these risks and proposes ways to implement reforms that enable guideline-level GP ADHD care.

Source: Australasian Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1177/10398562261502219

Authors: Benjamin Johnson, Stephen Parker, Wayne Hall, Janni Leung, Gary Chan

Institution: The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150