Expressions of interest have opened for Victorian GPs to undertake training to safely diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD.
Currently, adults can only be diagnosed and prescribed medication by a psychiatrist, while children must see a paediatrician or a psychiatrist.
The training, which starts from September, will be delivered by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
“Getting an ADHD diagnosis shouldn’t cost thousands of dollars or take a year of waiting,” said Minister for Health, Harriet Shing.
“By training GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, we’re helping people get the support they need, closer to home.”
The training will also help ease pressure on specialty areas, including psychiatry and paediatrics, the Minister said.
It’s estimated up to 163,000 Victorian children and 320,000 adults may be living with ADHD.
