Introduction

From September 2025, significant changes are being introduced in how general practitioners (GPs) can prescribe medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This reform reflects ongoing debates about access to ADHD treatment, rising diagnosis rates, and the demand for better support in primary care. The new laws aim to balance improved accessibility with patient safety, ensuring consistent standards across Australia.

This article explains what the new laws mean, why they were introduced, and how patients can navigate ADHD treatment under the updated framework.

1. Why the new ADHD prescribing laws?

Over the past decade, Australia has seen a sharp rise in ADHD diagnoses, particularly among adults (Faraone et al., 2021). Historically, prescribing ADHD medications—especially stimulants like methylphenidate and dexamfetamine—was restricted to psychiatrists, paediatricians, and select specialists due to safety and misuse concerns (Australian Government Department of Health, 2019).

However, long waiting times to see specialists created barriers to care. Many patients reported delays of 6–12 months, leaving them untreated and struggling with education, work, and daily functioning (Coghill & Seth, 2015). The new laws are designed to streamline access and reduce inequities.

2. What changes in September 2025?

Expanded prescribing rights for GPs

• GPs will now be able to initiate ADHD prescriptions for adults and adolescents, provided they have completed approved training and certification.
• Ongoing prescribing and medication reviews can occur in primary care, with shared-care models linking GPs and specialists.

Stricter monitoring and reporting

• GPs must use the Real Time Prescription Monitoring (RTPM) system to reduce risks of misuse and diversion.
• Annual specialist reviews will remain mandatory for complex cases or high-risk patients.

Uniform national framework

• Previous laws varied by state; the new reform creates a nationally standardised approach to prescribing ADHD medication.
• This means patients in regional or rural areas will no longer face disproportionately high barriers to treatment.

3. Benefits of the new laws

a) Improved access

More patients can receive timely prescriptions without waiting months for a specialist appointment (Maneeton et al., 2015).

b) Reduced health inequities

Regional and rural Australians, who often lack local psychiatrists, will gain greater access through trained GPs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020).

c) Continuity of care

Patients will benefit from consistent management with their GP, who already understands their broader health context.

d) Normalisation of ADHD treatment

By embedding ADHD prescribing into primary care, the reform helps reduce stigma and acknowledges ADHD as a common, manageable condition.

4. Risks and challenges

a) Patient safety

ADHD medications are controlled substances with risks of dependence and misuse. Critics worry that wider prescribing may increase diversion or overprescribing (Wilens et al., 2008).

b) GP workload and training

GPs must undertake additional training, and some may feel underprepared to manage complex ADHD presentations (Bolea-Alamanac et al., 2014).

c) Monitoring adherence

Ensuring consistent use of RTPM systems and specialist reviews will be critical to maintaining safety.

d) Mental health system integration

The new system requires effective collaboration between GPs, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals to avoid gaps in care.

5. What this means for patients

• Initial diagnosis: Patients can still be referred to psychiatrists or psychologists for comprehensive assessment, but GPs trained under the new framework may also initiate treatment.
• Medication access: Once diagnosed, patients can receive prescriptions from their GP, reducing waiting times.
• Ongoing management: Shared-care arrangements will ensure patients have access to both GP and specialist input when needed.
• Regional impact: Patients outside metropolitan areas are expected to benefit most, with easier access to medication and reduced travel costs.

6. Preparing for the change

For patients:

• Ask your GP if they are undergoing ADHD prescribing training.
• Keep all documentation of past diagnoses or assessments.
• Discuss treatment plans, including behavioural therapies alongside medication.

For GPs:

• Complete required certification before September 2025.
• Integrate prescription monitoring systems into practice.
• Build referral networks with local specialists for complex cases.

FAQs

Q: Can GPs prescribe ADHD medication in Australia in 2025?

Yes. From September 2025, trained GPs will be able to initiate and continue ADHD prescriptions under a national framework.

Q: Why were the laws changed?

To improve access, reduce waiting times, and standardise prescribing rules across Australia.

Q: Will I still need to see a psychiatrist?

For complex cases or annual reviews, yes. However, many patients will now be able to receive prescriptions directly from their GP.

Q: Is ADHD medication safe?

Yes, when prescribed and monitored properly. Risks include dependence and misuse, which are addressed through prescription monitoring and specialist oversight.

References

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• Australian Government Department of Health (2019) ADHD: Clinical Practice Points. Canberra: Department of Health.
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020) Mental Health Services in Australia. Canberra: AIHW.
• Bolea-Alamanac, B. et al. (2014) ‘Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Update on recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology’, Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(3), pp. 179–203.
• Coghill, D. & Seth, S. (2015) ‘Effective management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) through structured re-assessment: The Dundee ADHD Clinical Care Pathway’, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 9(1), pp. 52.
• Faraone, S.V. et al. (2021) ‘The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, World Psychiatry, 20(3), pp. 436–447.
• Maneeton, N. et al. (2015) ‘An open-label study of long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of atomoxetine in adults with ADHD’, Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 11, pp. 2291–2299.
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• Wilens, T.E. et al. (2008) ‘Misuse and diversion of stimulants prescribed for ADHD: A systematic review of the literature’, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(1), pp. 21–31.