ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. It can cause inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with a person’s day-to-day activities or development.
ADHD symptoms may include:
Currently, ADHD is diagnosed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. From late October 2026, trained NSW GPs will also be able to assess and diagnose ADHD in people aged 6 years and over.
There aren’t any reliable biological tests to confirm ADHD, such as blood tests. Instead, the diagnosis is based on information from the person being assessed and people who know them well like parents, partners or teachers. A health professional also uses assessment tools such as rating scales and questionnaires to help with the diagnosis.
Children and adults with ADHD may benefit from psychological therapies and medication. These treatments usually work better together than alone.
Psychostimulants are the most common medicines prescribed for ADHD. They increase central nervous system activity, which can help improve attention and alertness.
NSW Government reforms now allow GPs with additional training to have a greater role in helping manage ADHD for people aged 6 years and over. This will give people seeking ADHD assessment and management more choice, deliver more affordable care, and reduce wait times.
Since 1 September 2025, GP continuation prescribers can:
From late October 2026, GP endorsed prescribers will be able to:
From early 2027, NSW Health will fund up to 2,500 free ADHD assessments with trained GP endorsed prescribers in selected practices. Patients will need a referral from their regular GP. Priority will be given to people who are having difficulty accessing specialist care, experiencing financial stress or children in their early years of school.
You can search our interactive map to find a GP ADHD prescriber by suburb or postcode. Not all participating GPs are listed. Talk to your regular GP first, to see if they are participating in the ADHD reforms. It’s best to receive all your care with one GP, if you can.
Before making an appointment, contact the practice to check whether the GP is accepting new patients. If you need help finding a practice, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for assistance.
