In Queensland, GPs can diagnose ADHD and initiate stimulant medication prescriptions for 4–18-year-olds; in NSW, GPs can diagnose and initiate prescription for 6–18-year-olds with permission from the state Ministry of Health.
GPs are able to prescribe stimulant medication providing the diagnosis has been made by a specialist. No specific requirement for review by the specialist, but good practice would suggest a review every 1-3 years.
A GP can prescribe ADHD medication if:
You have been diagnosed with ADHD by a Psychiatrist who has initiated the prescription. Your GP is sent a psychiatrist letter which authorises them to apply for a permit to prescribe.
Medicines for ADHD are usually prescribed by specialists – paediatricians, child psychiatrists or neurologists.
The easiest way to get diagnosed and treated for ADHD if you are an adult is to approach your GP. Most GPs have a good understanding of ADHD. More importantly, as community-based health workers GPs have a wide-ranging understanding of medical and social issues that can affect one's cognitive function.
Adults. For adults with possible ADHD, the GP will assess your symptoms and may refer you for an assessment if: you were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but your symptoms began during childhood and have been ongoing since. your symptoms cannot be explained by a mental health condition.
Getting help
It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.
“If there is functional impairment in two or more roles, then treatment with medication” is absolutely what is needed, Dr. Surman says. That means anyone who has some combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness would do well on some kind of prescription ADHD medication.
Your doctor will start you on either Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Dexamphetamine (usually Ritalin) on a small dose to see the results. He/she will gradually titrate the dose to reach an optimum dosage for your child where there is a balance between good results and no side effects.
To confirm an accurate ADHD diagnosis before prescribing medication, the characteristic behaviors must be shown to be chronic (to have existed before age 12 and for at least 6 months) and pervasive (to have been observed in at least two life settings — at school, at home, with peers, and so on).
Go to your GP and have an open and frank conversation about why you think you have ADHD. Talk about any and all mental health concerns you might have. The goal is to help you with your issues. It is not an “ADHD or not” conversation it should be much wider than that.
What can I do if my GP refuses to write a referral to an adult ADHD specialist? Make an appointment to see a different GP, and again take with you a copy of the patient version of the Guidelines along with a list of symptoms with the relevant ones circled.
A GP is not able to complete an ADHD assessment and diagnosis, as it's a specialist mental health assessment, unless they've done further training in assessing and treating ADHD.
If you are concerned that you may have ADHD, the first step is to see a doctor. They will most likely refer you to a psychologist. A psychologist can only make a diagnosis after a detailed assessment of your behaviour. There are many behavioural disorders that can cause symptoms of ADHD, especially in young children.
Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $1,200 per year for treatment. They will now pay $41.30 per script, or $6.60 with a concession card. ADHD can look different in adults, with some symptoms overlooked.
However, only with a specialist diagnosis can these medications be accessed. Whilst ADHD medications are highly effective, they are stimulants which are “controlled” drugs. You need a special type of prescription from a specialist ADHD clinician.
All stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain— dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement, and attention. The therapeutic effect of stimulants is achieved by slow and steady increases of dopamine, which are similar to the way dopamine is naturally produced in the brain.
In people who don't have ADHD, because Adderall produces an excess amount of dopamine, users may experience feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels, as well as possible dangerous physical and emotional side effects.
Whether or not your ADHD qualifies as disabling will depend on how it affects your life and the advice of medical professionals. A practicing medical professional will be required to fill out a section of the DTC application, providing detailed information about the way the individual's life is severely affected.
Untreated ADHD in adults can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This is because ADHD symptoms can lead to focus, concentration, and impulsivity problems. When these problems are not managed effectively, they can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and low self-esteem.
For adults, doctors may use: Adult ADHD Clinical Diagnostic Scale (ACDS): This is an interview of 18 questions about ADHD symptoms. Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale (BADDS) for Adults: This is a set of 40 questions that look at attention, memory, and mood issues.