This process is often very costly, with patients sometimes waiting months or even years for a diagnosis, or being unable to access treatment entirely, according to the NSW government.

‘Hoping to break the cycle’

NSW Premier Chris Minns stated that the government aims to “break the cycle of individuals having to wait years for what could potentially be a life-changing diagnosis”.

For children and families managing ADHD, she said the difference between getting help now and waiting years “can be life-changing”.

NSW follows Queensland, Western Australia

Ahead of the WA state election in March, the government reportedly proposed reforms allowing specialist GPs to diagnose and treat patients, along with additional training in ADHD diagnosis and management.

This was one of 15 recommendations made by the committee. The government gave “in principle” support to nine others.

‘Life-changing impacts’

“GPs in many parts of Australia, and around the world, are already diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications. Our colleagues in Queensland, for example, have been safely prescribing ADHD medications since 2017.”