South Australians seeking treatment for ADHD could face fewer delays under new changes removing a key approval process for doctors prescribing stimulant medication.
Changes to South Australia’s Controlled Substances regulations will remove the requirement for doctors to seek individual state authorisation to prescribe stimulant drugs for most ADHD patients.
The change applies to doctors including specially trained GPs, who can now diagnose and treat ADHD in South Australia for adults and children aged eight and over.
Previously, doctors prescribing Schedule 8 stimulant medications could be required to obtain approval from SA Health’s Drugs of Dependence Unit for ongoing treatment. Schedule 8 medicines are subject to additional controls because of their potential for misuse, dependence and diversion.
The latest changes are designed to remove that administrative step for most patients while real-time prescription monitoring through ScriptCheckSA remains in place.
They come amid a significant increase in demand for ADHD assessments and treatment across South Australia.
Around 100 specially trained South Australian GPs became qualified earlier this year to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD in patients aged eight and over. More than 300 GPs had applied for the first 100 training places.
The program was introduced as an alternative pathway to relying solely on psychiatrists and paediatricians for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Some patients have reported significantly shorter waits and lower costs through the GP pathway. The ABC reported in April that one Adelaide patient received her assessment and diagnosis over several appointments for about $600 after previously facing an eight-month wait and an estimated $2,000 cost to see a psychiatrist.
Another 100 South Australian GPs are now set to receive specialist ADHD training, with $350,000 allocated over two years in the 2026–27 State Budget.
RACGP SA Chair Dr Sian Goodson said, “These changes are a welcome reduction in red tape for all doctors who prescribe Schedule 8 stimulant medications for ADHD in South Australia – including, but not just limited to, GPs.
“For people living with ADHD, having access to ongoing treatment through their usual GP can make a real difference.”
Demand remains particularly high in some parts of the state. Earlier this year, the RACGP said some of the newly trained GPs were already developing long waiting lists, while access remained limited in several regional areas. About 40 per cent of the first 100 trained GPs were based regionally.
The State Government says the regulatory change is intended to bring South Australia’s prescribing arrangements more closely into line with other jurisdictions while retaining monitoring safeguards.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect areas including attention, impulse control and activity levels. Anyone seeking assessment or changes to medication should discuss their individual circumstances with an appropriately qualified health professional.
