How ADHD prescribing works in Australia
How ADHD prescribing works in Australia in 2026: which clinicians can diagnose and prescribe in each state, what stimulant regulation means for patients, how reviews and permits work, and what to expect from a first consultation.
In brief. ADHD medicines in Australia are tightly regulated. Historically only psychiatrists (and paediatricians for children) could initiate them, with GPs continuing prescriptions under shared care. Since 2024 several states have begun allowing specially trained GPs to diagnose and initiate treatment for adults, and the rules differ state by state. This page explains the system, not the medicines: Australian law does not permit advertising prescription medicines to the public, and medication decisions belong with your prescriber.
Why ADHD medication is regulated differently
Most first-line ADHD medicines are Schedule 8 controlled substances. Each state and territory has its own permit or notification system for prescribing them, which is why a prescription valid in one state may need paperwork in another, and why GPs have not historically been able to start treatment. The Australian ADHD Guideline (2022) recommends that both medication and psychological treatment be available to adults, and that access barriers be reduced.
Who can diagnose and prescribe, by state (2026)
| State or territory | Who can initiate ADHD medication for adults | GP role |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Psychiatrists; from late 2025, GPs who complete approved training can diagnose and initiate for adults | Trained GPs initiate; other GPs continue under shared care |
| Queensland | Psychiatrists; GPs may initiate for adults under reforms introduced from 2025 | Continuing and, where permitted, initiating |
| Western Australia | Psychiatrists; trained GPs able to initiate for adults from 2025 | Continuing and, where trained, initiating |
| South Australia | Psychiatrists; GP initiation reforms announced | Continuing under shared care |
| Victoria | Psychiatrists; GPs continue under a specialist's permit | Continuing only |
| Tasmania, ACT, NT | Psychiatrists; varying continuation rules | Continuing under shared care |
These rules were changing quickly during 2025 and 2026. Check with your GP or state health department for the current position; we update this page as the rules change.
Two questions to start
Take the full self-testWHO adult ADHD screener. Scored on your device. A screen is not a diagnosis.
What a first consultation involves
A prescriber will confirm the diagnosis (or make it), take a medical history including heart health and blood pressure, ask about substance use, sleep and other medicines, and discuss options, including not medicating. If medication is chosen, treatment usually starts at a low dose with reviews every few weeks until the dose is settled, then less often. State permits are arranged by the prescriber. Expect to be asked about side effects, sleep, appetite and mood at each review.
Shared care
Once stable, many adults have their ongoing prescriptions written by their GP under a shared-care arrangement with the specialist who initiated treatment, with a specialist review every one to two years depending on the state. This reduces cost and waiting.
Costs
Psychiatrist initial consultations for ADHD commonly cost $600 to $1,200 with a Medicare rebate of $268.90 (item 296) or $467.45 (item 291); reviews $300 to $700 with a rebate of $137.45. GP-led pathways are typically cheaper. Most ADHD medicines are on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme when prescribed within its rules, so the medicine itself is usually the smaller cost.
Medication is one option
The guideline is clear that medication is not compulsory and not sufficient on its own. Psychological therapy adapted for ADHD, coaching, occupational therapy, exercise and sleep all have evidence, and many adults use them without medication or alongside it. See therapy and support.
What Inner Help does
Inner Help's practitioners provide therapy and support; we do not prescribe. Our finder lists psychiatrists and ADHD-trained GPs who state they work with adult ADHD, and our assessment pathway, when it opens, will be GP-led in the states that permit it.
Get matched, or start with the free self-test.
A practitioner who understands neurodivergence, matched when one has availability. Or two minutes on the self-test first, scored on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Can my regular GP start me on ADHD medication?
Only if your state permits it and your GP has completed the required training. Otherwise a psychiatrist initiates and your GP can continue prescribing.
Do I need a new prescription when I move state?
Often yes, or at least a new permit. Ask your prescriber before moving; rules differ.
Can I drive on ADHD medication?
Generally yes when stable and taken as prescribed. Your prescriber will discuss your situation, and some professional licences have their own requirements.
Why does this page not name any medicines?
Australian law prohibits advertising prescription medicines to the public. Information about specific medicines belongs in a consultation with your prescriber and pharmacist.
Sources and review
- Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022)
- TGA: advertising therapeutic goods
- PBS: stimulant medicines listing
Last updated 2026-09-14.