AMA VICDOC Autumn 2024 - Magazine - Page 20
THE ROLE OF GPs IN ADHD
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
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GPs are critical in managing the ongoing care and
support needs of people with ADHD.
Their comprehensive involvement in and oversight
of individual and family health and wellbeing across
the lifespan means they are uniquely placed to support
individuals with lifelong disorders, including ADHD.
Paediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists
and psychologists typically diagnose ADHD in
children and adolescents, while psychiatrists and
psychologists typically diagnose ADHD in adults.
Often, the commencement of diagnosis and treatment
for ADHD is facilitated by a GP working together
with the person’s paediatrician or psychiatrist. It is
important for GPs to have referral pathways to these
clinicians with expertise in ADHD.
The GP’s role can include recognising symptoms
and facilitating diagnosis and treatment. Dispelling
myths around ADHD and its various treatment
pathways is especially valuable in supporting people
to access and continue accessing what they need.
TREATMENT FOR ADHD CAN BE
BOTH NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL
AND PHARMACOLOGICAL
—
Non-pharmacological treatments include cognitivebehavioural interventions and ADHD coaching,
and where appropriate, GPs can make referrals
psychologists, coaches and other allied health clinicians
who have expertise in ADHD. They can also help
people with referrals to treat co-occurring conditions
and will often be asked to confirm a condition and
document what reasonable adjustments may be
required in education and workplace settings.
Medications for ADHD can be prescribed by
paediatricians, psychiatrists and general practitioners.
Supporting GPs to develop their skills in prescribing
ADHD medications, including stimulant medication,
is an identified need in the guideline.
“Given the delays and lack of access to ADHD
medical specialists who can prescribe stimulants, it is
critical that more GPs develop competencies in this
area,” says Associate Professor Kramer. “We also know
that accessing healthcare from GPs is more affordable,
especially for those on low incomes, which makes GP
training particularly important because ADHD has
implications for poor health outcomes.”
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20
AMA VI C TO RIA
We know that accessing
healthcare from GPs is more
affordable, especially for those
on low incomes, which makes
GP training particularly
important because ADHD
has implications for poor
health outcomes.
—
Now that the guideline is
completed, AADPA is working
on education packages for
clinicians. Click here to access
the guideline and associated
resources online.
