Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance regarding your health.
If you have been wondering whether you or someone you love might have ADHD, you are not alone — and knowing where to begin can feel just as overwhelming as the symptoms themselves. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and behaviour. It is more common than many people realise: up to 8% of Australian children and up to 5% of Australian adults are estimated to have ADHD. Despite how widespread it is, many people go undiagnosed for years, unsure of how to access support.
The good news is that help is available, and the process of getting assessed and treated is more straightforward than it might seem. Your local GP is the best place to start. Whether you are seeking answers for the first time or looking to better manage an existing diagnosis, visiting a trusted medical centre can set you on the right path. This article walks you through everything you can expect, from your first GP appointment through to ongoing treatment.
Why Your GP Is the Right Starting Point
When it comes to ADHD care in Australia, your GP plays a central role at every stage of the journey. They are not simply a referral gateway; they are an ongoing partner in your care. If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, seeing a doctor is the essential first step — ADHD can be managed with psychological therapies and medicines, but the pathway begins with a clinical conversation.
In Australia, a GP referral is generally needed to access Medicare-rebated appointments with psychiatrists and psychologists, making the GP your gateway to the assessment process. This means that booking in with an experienced ADHD GP is not just practical — it is the most efficient way to get the support you need without unnecessary delays or out-of-pocket costs.
Many people feel nervous about raising ADHD with their doctor. Some worry they will not be taken seriously, or that their concerns will be dismissed. It helps to come prepared. Be specific about your symptoms and, most importantly, describe how they are affecting your day-to-day life — your relationships, work performance, study, or ability to manage routine tasks. The more clearly you can articulate the functional impact, the more effectively your GP can assess your needs and determine the most appropriate next steps.
It is also worth knowing that you have the right to request a specialist referral. If your GP takes a different view, you are entitled to seek a second opinion from another doctor. Looking for a GP who lists ADHD, mental health, or neurodevelopmental conditions as an area of interest is a reasonable and practical approach.
What Happens During an ADHD Assessment?
Once your GP refers you for a formal ADHD assessment, you will typically be seen by a psychiatrist (for adults) or a paediatrician (for children). Understanding what this process involves can help ease any anxiety about what lies ahead.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment generally includes a review of your referral documents and pre-assessment questionnaires before your appointment, followed by a clinical interview of around 45 to 60 minutes. The assessment may also involve standardised behavioural rating scales and, in some cases, psychometric testing. Following the assessment, the specialist prepares a detailed report and treatment plan that is sent directly to your referring GP.
It is important to note that only a qualified medical professional can diagnose ADHD. Self-diagnosis, while understandable given the wealth of information available online, is not a substitute for a thorough clinical assessment. An experienced clinician will also consider other conditions that can present with similar symptoms, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive picture of your health.
It is encouraging to see Australia’s ADHD care landscape evolving. From February 2026, specially trained South Australian GPs can assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for ADHD in children aged 8 and above, as well as adults where clinically appropriate, without needing a referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. While rollout varies by state, this shift reflects a broader commitment to improving access to timely ADHD care across the country.
What to Bring to Your ADHD Assessment
Coming prepared can make your assessment more productive and thorough. Consider bringing:
• Childhood school reports or teacher feedback (particularly useful for adult assessments where early symptom history is relevant)
• Any previous psychological or educational assessments
• A written list of your current symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them
• Notes on how symptoms are affecting your work, study, relationships, or daily routine
• Relevant family history of ADHD or related neurodevelopmental conditions
The more information your clinician has access to, the more complete and accurate the assessment will be.
Understanding Your ADHD Treatment Options
An ADHD diagnosis opens the door to a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. In Australia, ADHD treatment is typically multimodal, meaning it combines more than one approach to achieve the best outcomes. Treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and your GP and specialist will work with you to find the right combination.
Medication is one of the most well-researched interventions for ADHD. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications are available in Australia. Prescription medicines must only be taken by the person they are prescribed for, and you should see your doctor regularly while receiving treatment to review effectiveness and check for any side effects. Your doctor can adjust the dose, change your medicine, or add another treatment if needed. Sharing ADHD medicines or taking someone else’s prescription is unsafe and illegal in Australia.
Psychological therapies are an equally important component of ADHD management. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one type of psychological treatment that may help individuals develop practical strategies and skills for managing their behaviour, improving organisation, and addressing the emotional challenges that often accompany ADHD.
Lifestyle strategies can also play a meaningful supporting role. Structured routines, consistent sleep habits, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet all contribute to better symptom management. These are not replacements for clinical treatment, but they can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing when used alongside professional care.
As recommended by health experts, ADHD is a manageable condition, and with the right support in place, most people are able to lead full, productive lives.
All medication decisions must be made in consultation with your treating doctor. This article does not recommend specific medications or dosages. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
How Your GP Supports Ongoing ADHD Management
Following a specialist assessment and diagnosis, your GP becomes the anchor of your ongoing care. In the shared care model commonly used in Australia, if ADHD is diagnosed, follow-up appointments with a GP are typical to review the psychiatrist’s treatment plan, discuss medication options, and monitor progress with adjustments made as needed.
This means your GP is not just involved at the beginning of your journey — they are an essential, long-term part of your healthcare team. Regular check-ins allow your doctor to track how well your treatment is working, address any concerns, and coordinate with other health professionals involved in your care.
How to Find an ADHD-Friendly GP Near You
Not every GP has the same level of experience with ADHD, so finding one who is knowledgeable and approachable in this area can make a real difference to your care. The RACGP lists GPs who have completed ADHD training on their website, which is a useful starting point for patients seeking a trained ADHD GP.
When searching for a GP, look for a practice that lists ADHD, mental health, or neurodevelopmental conditions as an area of focus. Proximity matters too — having a local, accessible medical centre means you are more likely to attend regular follow-up appointments, which is essential for effective ongoing management.
It is also worth considering the practical aspects of your care, such as whether the clinic offers bulk billing or mixed billing, appointment availability, and whether the practice supports long consultation times for complex health discussions. Consistency with the same GP wherever possible is particularly beneficial for ADHD management, as your doctor builds familiarity with your history and response to treatment over time.
Finding the right GP can sometimes take a little time, and that is completely understandable. It is worth advocating for yourself. If your concerns are not being heard, seeking out a medical centre with experienced ADHD GPs on hand is a practical and empowering step forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD and GP Care
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?
Traditionally, an ADHD diagnosis in Australia has required assessment by a specialist such as a psychiatrist or paediatrician. However, reforms currently being rolled out across several states are expanding the role of specially trained GPs in both assessment and prescribing. Regardless of the pathway, your GP remains the essential first point of contact and will guide you through the most appropriate process for your state and circumstances.
How long does an ADHD assessment take?
The clinical interview component of an ADHD assessment typically runs for around 45 to 60 minutes, but this is just one part of the overall process. Pre-assessment questionnaires, document review, and report preparation are all involved. From the time of your initial GP appointment to receiving a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, the process can take several weeks or longer, depending on specialist availability and waitlists in your area.
Is ADHD assessment covered by Medicare?
With a valid GP referral, standard specialist Medicare rebates apply to psychiatrist appointments, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Psychology sessions may be partially covered under a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. The exact gap fees will vary depending on the provider and your individual circumstances. It is worth discussing the likely costs with your GP and the specialist practice before your appointment.
What if my GP dismisses my concerns about ADHD?
If you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously, you have every right to seek a second opinion. Look for a GP who has a specific interest in ADHD or mental health. Your concerns are valid, and finding a doctor who listens and takes a thorough approach to assessment is an important part of getting the right care.
Taking the First Step Towards Better ADHD Support
Living with undiagnosed or poorly managed ADHD can be genuinely challenging — affecting your work, your relationships, your self-confidence, and your quality of life. But it does not have to stay that way. With the right GP in your corner, the path from assessment to treatment is well-defined, supportive, and absolutely within reach.
The most important thing you can do today is take that first step. Book an appointment with a trusted ADHD GP who will listen, assess, and guide you through your options without judgement. At Chadstone Road Clinic, our experienced GPs are here to support you or your loved one through every stage of the ADHD journey, from initial screening and specialist referral through to ongoing treatment and management.
Ready to get started? Visit your trusted medical centre Oakleigh to book an appointment. You deserve the support — and it starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.