Queensland has become the first state in Australia to allow specialist GPs to diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for adults. From 1 December, this change has opened the door to improved access for many people who have spent years navigating long waitlists, high costs, and limited options for care.

While this reform is a significant step forward, it’s important to understand what it does — and does not – mean. Adult ADHD assessment remains a structured, evidence-based medical process. There are no shortcuts, same-day diagnoses, or instant prescriptions. What has changed is who can provide this care and how accessible it can be.

Why Adult ADHD Assessment Matters

Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD well into their twenties, thirties, or later. Difficulty concentrating, chronic disorganisation, emotional overwhelm, restlessness, and burnout are often dismissed as personality traits or stress. Over time, this can affect work, study, relationships, and mental health.

Until recently, accessing an adult ADHD diagnosis in Australia usually required seeing a psychiatrist. For many people, this meant long delays and significant out-of-pocket costs. Queensland’s GP prescribing reform aims to reduce these barriers while maintaining safe and clinically sound care.

What Has Changed in Queensland

Queensland is currently the only state where trained specialist GPs can diagnose ADHD in adults and prescribe stimulant medication. This expansion allows participating GPs to manage ADHD within general practice, helping reduce waiting times and improve access, particularly for patients in regional and rural areas.

For many, this also means potential cost savings, as ongoing care with a GP is often more affordable than specialist-only pathways. Importantly, ADHD can now be managed as part of whole-person care. GPs can consider mental health, physical health, lifestyle factors, and ongoing support alongside medication when appropriate.

Psychiatrists still play a vital role. Patients with complex presentations, overlapping conditions, or diagnostic uncertainty may still be referred for specialist input or review.

What This Means for Patients

Not every GP offers ADHD assessments or prescribing. Only doctors who have completed specific training and feel confident managing ADHD under the new regulations will provide this service.

For patients, this means the process is thoughtful and paced. An adult ADHD assessment is not completed in a single visit. Most people will need two to three consultations, sometimes more if symptoms overlap with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Standardised questionnaires are a core part of the assessment. Your GP may also ask for additional information such as school reports, past assessments, mental health records, or letters from psychologists. In some cases, information from family members or partners can help build a clearer picture.

No Same-Day Prescribing

One of the most common misunderstandings about the Queensland changes is the idea of same-day prescribing. This does not happen.

Stimulant medication is never started at the first appointment, even if someone has previously been diagnosed or taken ADHD medication in the past. Prescribing decisions are only made once the full assessment is complete and all clinical requirements have been met. This ensures medications are used safely and appropriately.

If You Have Been Diagnosed Before

Adults with an existing ADHD diagnosis may be able to continue stimulant medication under the care of a participating GP, provided their documentation meets Queensland requirements. Your GP will need to review previous diagnostic letters, prescriptions, and relevant medical records before continuing treatment.

Starting and Adjusting Medication

Beginning ADHD medication is a gradual process. Follow-up appointments are used to adjust doses, monitor side effects, check blood pressure and heart rate, assess sleep and appetite, and evaluate how effective the treatment is. Finding the right medication and dose can take time. Once things are stable, reviews become less frequent and tailored to individual needs.

Living With ADHD Beyond Diagnosis

A diagnosis can bring clarity and relief, but it’s only one part of managing ADHD. Your GP will work with you to understand how ADHD affects your daily life, including work or study demands, routines, emotional regulation, sleep, and relationships.

Medication can be helpful, but long-term management often includes behavioural strategies, psychological support, and practical tools to improve daily functioning. ADHD care is most effective when it’s personalised and ongoing.

What Patients Are Asked to Do

For the assessment process to work smoothly, patients are expected to attend appointments, complete questionnaires ahead of time, and provide requested documents promptly. Face-to-face visits are required for diagnosis and for starting medication where appropriate. It’s also important to understand that prescribing is never guaranteed and is always based on clinical judgement within an evidence-based framework.

Throughout the process, GPs aim to work openly and transparently with patients, explaining each step and setting clear expectations.

The Takeaway

Queensland’s changes to adult ADHD assessment and GP prescribing represent meaningful progress in Australian healthcare. They improve access, reduce barriers, and allow ADHD to be managed within general practice — but without compromising safety or quality.

If you think ADHD may be affecting your life, speaking with a trained GP is a practical first step. With the right support, assessment and management can lead to better understanding, improved functioning, and long-term wellbeing.