In most States and Territories ADHD medications for adults can be prescribed either by a psychiatrist or by a general practitioner who has received a diagnostic report and management plan from a psychiatrist.  In NSW the psychiatrist needs to prescribe stimulants for the first six months of treatment.  In Western Australia both the psychiatrist and general practitioner need to be physically present.

https://aadpa.com.au/adhd-stimulant-prescribing-regulations-in-australia-new-zealand

A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can diagnose and treat ADHD, and screen for other medical, neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. In Australia a psychiatrist needs to be involved if stimulant medication is prescribed – either by authorising your GP or prescribing for you directly.

ADHD can lead to significant impairment in many areas of life. Common problems include academic and professional under-achievement – not reaching one’s potential. Treating ADHD can greatly reduce the risk of problems associated with ADHD including accidents, substance use, affective dysregulation (mood swings/irritability), and communication/relationship problems. In addition to the personal frustration, turmoil and unfulfilled potential, in financial terms it is estimated that ADHD costs Australian $20.42 billion annually*.

*Australian Evidencep-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 1st EDITION 2022 (aadpa Australian ADHD Professional Association).

The information provided on your questionnaire is helpful in guiding the consultation.  It does not replace the face to face diagnostic assessment.

Initial assessment with our psychiatrist is generally of 45-90 minutes duration.

Usually your GP will take on the role of prescriber if medication is required. However if either your or your GP prefer, our psychiatrist can prescribe any medication as needed.

Stimulant medication remains the first line treatment for ADHD and is the most effective treatment for most people. Non- medication treatment for ADHD include diet, meditation, exercise, sleep hygiene, time management. It is very important to addresss any co-morbid substance use issues. We highly recommend ongoing psychological support from an ADHD specialist psychologist such as Tristan Chooi.

After your consultation a receipt will be emailed along with your report.  This receipt contains all the necessary information to claim your medicare rebate online

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-online-account-help-submit-claim

In 1994, the name of the disorder was changed in a way that is confusing for many people. Since that time all forms of attention deficit disorder are officially called “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder,” regardless of whether the individual has symptoms of hyperactivity or not. Even though these are the official labels, a lot of professionals and lay people still use both terms: ADD and ADHD. Some use those terms to designate the old subtypes; others use ADD just as a shorter way to refer to any presentation.

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of co-existing conditions. Such an evaluation requires time and effort and should include a careful history and a clinical assessment of the individual’s academic, social, and emotional functioning and developmental level.

For adults with ADHD, the challenges of healthy weight management appear to be greater than for those without ADHD. For example, one study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health found that adults with ADHD are 1.58 times more likely to be overweight and 1.81 times more likely to be obese than adults who do not have ADHD.

Children with ADHD also appear to have higher rates of overweight and obesity than their peers without the disorder. However, whether or not a child’s ADHD is being treated is also an important factor. Data from the 2003–2004 National Survey of Children’s Health found that children whose ADHD treatment plan did not include medication were approximately one and a half times more likely to be overweight than children who received medication as part of their ADHD treatment.

For adults with ADHD, the challenges of healthy weight management appear to be greater than for those without ADHD. For example, one study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health found that adults with ADHD are 1.58 times more likely to be overweight and 1.81 times more likely to be obese than adults who do not have ADHD.

Treating ADHD often requires medical, educational, behavioral and psychological intervention. This comprehensive approach to treatment is sometimes called “multimodal” and, depending on the age of the individual with ADHD, may include the following:

• parent training
• medication
• skills training
• counseling
• behavioral therapy
• educational supports
• education regarding ADHD

Research suggests that youth with ADHD are at increased risk for very early cigarette use. Cigarette smoking is more common in adolescents with ADHD, and adults with ADHD have elevated rates of smoking and report particular difficulty in quitting. Youth with ADHD are twice as likely to become addicted to nicotine as individuals without ADHD.
Treating ADHD often requires medical, educational, behavioral and psychological intervention. This comprehensive approach to treatment is sometimes called “multimodal” and, depending on the age of the individual with ADHD, may include the following:

• parent training
• medication
• skills training
• counseling
• behavioral therapy
• educational supports
• education regarding ADHD

The safety of stimulant medications on the developing baby during pregnancy is unknown because pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials that study the effects of medication on them. Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines like Adderall or methylphenidates like Concerta, Ritalin LA and Metadate CD, are all considered “Category C” medications.  This means that studies of animals exposed to these medications have shown a negative effect on their developing pups, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans to allow healthcare providers to make conclusions about the effects of these medications on human pregnancies. A Category C label also means that the benefits of using these medications during pregnancy may be acceptable despite its potential risks.

This is why it’s important for all women to talk with their doctor if they are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy and are using any medications. Together you can weigh the risks and benefits of managing your ADHD with the potential risks of using the medication during pregnancy.