To explore models of care to increase accessibility for diagnosis and management of ADHD in adults

With greater awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there has been increased demand for individuals to be diagnosed and treated. However the services in Australia often involve a very lengthy wait and private fee for a psychiatrist's diagnosis and management with certain medications. As a GP, I am often left with a gap in providing care for my patients seeking diagnosis and management. Other countries have different models of care which has led to the increased accessibility of care for those with ADHD. I look forward to understanding the models in the U.S, Sweden, Netherlands and the U.K, and providing further evidence for models of care that can be adapted to an Australian setting.

Project Summary

ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, leading to challenges in education, employment, relationships, and daily functioning. Wee-Sian Woon visited organisations, clinics and institutions in The Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, UK and USA to meet those with lived experience and community advocates at the forefront of ADHD care.

Wee-Sian says formal training pathways and mentorship are essential to strengthen practitioner education and build confidence in ADHD care. He makes a number of recommendations in his report including expanding publicly funded diagnostic treatment services, enhancing integrated multidisciplinary clinic models and incorporating ADHD-informed accommodations across workplaces, education, and justice settings to create inclusive environments.