GPs in WA now trained to treat patients with ADHD

More ADHD care is available across the State after 64 GPs completed a specialist training program

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Sixty-four WA general practitioners have completed specialist training that allows them to manage patients with ADHD.

More than a third of the newly trained GPs are based in regional and rural WA.

Following the strong interest from doctors, the State Government says additional training opportunities will become available in the coming months.

The ADHD GP Training Program, funded through a $1.3 million election commitment, was developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in partnership with the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, with oversight from WA Health.

Trained GPs, once authorised by the Department of Health, can assess, treat and provide ongoing management for patients aged over 10 with uncomplicated ADHD, and they will be able to prescribe ADHD stimulant medicines in accordance with legislative and clinical requirements.

However, patients who present with more complex needs will continue to be referred to paediatricians and psychiatrists, in line with the strong clinical safeguards that remain a focal point for the program’s model of care.

KEY FACTS

Specialist ADHD training has been completed by 64 WA GPs.
The program will improve access to ADHD care, particularly in country communities.
More ADHD GP training opportunities will be offered in the coming months.
ADHD WA will also deliver expanded wraparound support services for families.

The overall aim of the landmark program is to help reduce reliance on these specialist services and improve access to timely care – especially in rural, remote and underserved communities so children and families get the care they need, no matter where they live.

ADHD WA wraparound services are also being expanded, thanks to $1.2 million in government funding, to provide more practical support for children and adolescents with diagnosed or suspected ADHD, as well as their parents and carers.

Services include a state-wide telephone and webchat service providing information about ADHD and guidance on non-medication supports, community walk-in enquiry and service navigation support, group therapy programs, school-based programs, and peer support groups for people affected by ADHD.

Health, Mental Health and Preventative Health Minister Meredith Hammat has welcomed the number of metropolitan and regional GPs going through the ADHD training program.

“ This program is about reducing those barriers in a safe way so more Western Australians can access timely care, and we can free up specialists to deal with more complex cases.

“I know a lot of Western Australians will benefit from this significant step forward in healthcare access,” Ms Hammat said. “We’re helping more families access timely assessment, treatment and support closer to howme and I look forward to all of these upskilled GPs making a difference in their communities.

“We know some families have faced long wait times and barriers accessing ADHD care, particularly in areas with limited specialist availability.

“This program is about reducing those barriers in a safe way so more Western Australians can access timely care, and we can free up specialists to deal with more complex cases.

“Together with expanded ADHD WA wraparound services, we’re putting WA first by ensuring children, young people and families can access the information, support and care they need throughout their ADHD journey.”

View more information on ADHD diagnosis and treatment through GPs, published on the Department of Health website: health.wa.gov.au.

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GPs in WA now trained to treat patients with ADHD

More ADHD care is available across the State after 64 GPs completed a specialist training program

KEY FACTS