Any GP registered with AHPRA who holds Schedule 8 prescribing authority can legally prescribe ADHD medication in Australia. Since 1 December 2025, Queensland GPs can also diagnose adult ADHD and initiate stimulant medication without a prior psychiatrist referral.
Quick links
- What the law says about GP prescribing
- What changed in Queensland in December 2025
- Schedule 8 requirements in every state
- Which ADHD medications are available
- When to refer to a psychiatrist instead
- Practical steps to start prescribing
What the law says about GP prescribing
There is no law in Australia that restricts ADHD medication prescribing to psychiatrists. Any GP with an active AHPRA registration and the appropriate state-level Schedule 8 authority can write a stimulant prescription.
The barrier has historically been practical, not legal. In most states, PBS subsidy for ADHD stimulants required an initial diagnosis from a psychiatrist or paediatrician. A GP could always write a private prescription, but patients paid full price without the PBS rebate.
In a 2023 survey of Australian GPs, lack of knowledge and experience was the most commonly cited barrier to independent ADHD management, reported by 70% of respondents (Quinn et al., 2024). The AADPA clinical guidelines and state-specific reforms are changing this.
What changed in Queensland in December 2025
On 1 December 2025, Queensland became the first Australian state to formally allow GPs to diagnose adult ADHD and initiate stimulant medication without requiring a prior psychiatrist assessment. This applies to all registered GPs in Queensland, not a select group with additional credentialing.
The reform was driven by two factors: public psychiatrist waitlists averaging 3 to 12 months, and private psychiatrist assessment costs of $600 to $1,600+ out of pocket for a full assessment. For patients in regional Queensland, access was near-impossible.
GPs using the Queensland pathway diagnose adult ADHD using DSM-5 criteria, the same diagnostic framework used by psychiatrists. The clinical standard is the same regardless of which practitioner makes the diagnosis.
Schedule 8 requirements in every state
Stimulant ADHD medications (dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate) are classified as Schedule 8 controlled substances in every Australian state and territory. This means prescribing requires state-level permits, monitoring, and record-keeping beyond what Schedule 4 drugs require.
Each state health department administers its own S8 permit system. Requirements vary: some states require prior specialist diagnosis, others (like Queensland since December 2025) allow GP-initiated prescribing. Check your state health department’s controlled substances unit for the current rules.
Which ADHD medications are available
PBS-listed ADHD medications for adults in Australia fall into two categories:
Stimulants (Schedule 8):
- Dexamphetamine (immediate-release tablets)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse, extended-release capsules)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta, extended-release and immediate-release formulations)
Non-stimulant (Schedule 4):
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) — not a controlled substance, with fewer prescribing restrictions than stimulants
Atomoxetine does not require S8 authority and has a simpler prescribing pathway. For GPs who are not yet confident with stimulant prescribing, it offers a lower-barrier starting point.
When to refer to a psychiatrist instead
A psychiatrist is the right choice for complex presentations: significant trauma history, possible bipolar disorder, active psychosis, severe comorbid substance use disorder, or when initial medication trials have failed. Your clinical judgement applies here.
For the majority of adults presenting with straightforward ADHD symptoms, a GP assessment using validated screening tools and DSM-5 criteria delivers the same diagnostic outcome. A standard GP consultation of 15 minutes is too short for a full ADHD assessment. Book a long consultation (40+ minutes, MBS item 44) for the initial assessment.
Practical steps to start prescribing
- Read the AADPA Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD
- Check your state health department’s S8 prescribing requirements for stimulants
- Set up a structured assessment workflow: pre-appointment screening (ASRS v1.1), collateral history, DSM-5 criteria checklist
- Start with straightforward presentations and refer complex cases
- Consider starting with atomoxetine (Schedule 4) if you want to build experience before prescribing stimulants
Book an ADHD assessment or find a GP who offers ADHD assessments via telehealth.
Frequently asked questions
General health information
This article is general health information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified health professional before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.
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