ADHD reform needs GP training and Medicare support, study finds

Expanding attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care to general practitioners (GPs) should be matched with additional training and Medicare support, University of Queensland research has found

In December 2025, Queensland became the first state to give GPs the green light to diagnose and begin treatment for adults, almost a decade after doing the same for children with ADHD.

Unlike other states, Queensland GPs aren’t required to undertake any extra ADHD-specific training.

PhD candidate Benjamin Johnson from UQ’s National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research examined Queensland’s expansion of GP-led adult ADHD care, finding there is a need for funding and training support.

“You need an experienced clinician to look at someone's circumstances and determine whether they're experiencing ADHD or whether there's another explanation for those symptoms,” Mr Johnson said. 

"Even though many GPs have experience with treating childhood ADHD, adult ADHD can be quite tricky to diagnose, which is why there needs to be more education and compulsory training.

"For example, someone experiencing burnout can present with similar impairments to ADHD, such as inattention and forgetfulness, but their treatments are very different. 

“That's why it's really important to be able to differentiate between situational factors and a long-term developmental disorder."

New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia have adopted ADHD care models requiring GPs to complete additional training, developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in partnership with ADHD experts, before diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD.

The respective state governments have funded GP ADHD training and support programs, while additional ADHD training for Queensland GPs remains voluntary.

The RACGP also offers a free online course for members.

GPs from all states are required to refer complex cases outside of their scope to a psychiatrist.

A 2024 study of 213 Australian GPs found 77 per cent supported taking on a larger role in ADHD care, but barriers included lack of knowledge and experience (70 per cent) and lack of time for assessment (68 per cent).

Mr Johnson said Medicare funding arrangements for ADHD assessment consultations should be updated to better support GPs and patients.

“If governments want GPs to undertake specialist-style ADHD assessments, they should consider funding arrangements that recognise the time involved,” he said.

“The current Medicare model penalises GPs for longer consultations. 

“Approved Australian ADHD guidelines indicate a detailed assessment may take 2 to 3 hours and occur over several sessions.

“While GPs can set their own fees, we don't want comprehensive ADHD assessment to become a service that only wealthier patients can readily access.

“GPs already do the heavy lifting when it comes to healthcare in the community, so it’s only fair they are given further support if they are going to take on more complex medical cases.”

Read the research in Sage Journals