Canberrans have more choice and support in their treatment and ongoing care for ADHD.
17 February 2026
- GPs with approved training can continue prescribing ADHD medication for eligible patients.
- This change removes the need for repeated specialist reviews for many patients.
- Later this year, trained GPs will also be able to diagnose ADHD and start treatment.
- GPs will continue to work to their own scope of practice and will refer on to other doctors or allied health professionals as required
The ACT Government is making changes to offer Canberrans more choice and support in their treatment and ongoing care for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
General practitioners (GPs) who have completed approved training no longer need:
- repeated patient reviews from a relevant specialist
- approval from the Chief Health Officer (CHO).
The changes mean these GPs will be able to continue to prescribe ADHD medication for eligible patients.
Eligible patients are those who are:
- stable on their ADHD medication
- aged six years and older, and
- have an existing diagnosis from a relevant specialist.
GPs will work with patients to decide how often their care may need review by a:
- psychiatrist
- paediatrician
- neurologist.
The changes also mean these non-GP specialists no longer need CHO approval to prescribe ADHD medications to patients aged four years and older within defined dosage ranges.
GPs will continue to work to their own scope of practice and will refer on to other doctors or allied health professionals as required.
Together, these changes expand the role of GPs in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. They help reduce pressures and barriers people may face when accessing care.
Changes to allow GPs to diagnose ADHD
Later this year, GPs who complete further training will be able to diagnose ADHD and start patients on ADHD medicines.
More information will be available ahead of the next stage of changes to make it easier for Canberrans to access treatment and care for ADHD.
Learn more about ADHD care in the ACT.
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