"TOO little, too late", was paediatrition Dr Sally Poulton'ssuccinct appraisal of last week's Federal Government response to the National ADHD Inquiry, which was held last year, with the Senate report handed down in Nov 2023.
The Government response saw it adopt only one of the 15 recommendations and provide in-principle support to nine others, while the last five were noted.
The adopted recommendation was to expedite the development of uniform prescribing rules to ensure consistency across state and territory jurisdictions through the ministerial council on health.
The recommendations with in-principle support included the need to consult with people with lived experience of ADHD, healthcare colleges and organisations to identify additional support measures; to review the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to improve the safe and quality use of medications by people with ADHD; to expand the range of how GPs can provide ADHD assessment and support services; and to provide a review into the Medicare Benefits Schedule to improve accessibility to ADHD-related assessment, diagnosis and support services.
"The desperation of those who have missed out - and continue to miss out - on appropriate diagnosis and treatment for ADHD has been largely glossed over," said Dr Poulton, describing the struggles and grief experienced by people with ADHD who potentially missed out on treatment as they were growing up.
ADHD is estimated to affect around 5-6% of the population, with long-term physical and mental health issues arising when people do not receive adequate diagnosis, treatment and support.
Professor David Coghill, President of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, described the government's response as a "slap in the face", and disrespectful to the more than 700 people who lodged submissions.
"After waiting for over a year for a response, it's incredible that there is just one recommendation that the Government feels is worthy of support," said Prof Coghill.
"The Government's woefully inadequate response contains a number of inaccuracies that demonstrate the Government's lack of understanding of ADHD and lack of knowledge about the clinicians and allied health practitioners who work in ADHD," he said.
Conversely, the Royal Australian College of GPs has welcomed the support for nationally consistent prescribing rules, and framed the in-principle support for GP involvement in a positive light.
"We strongly welcome the Government's support for a nationally consistent approach that helps adults and children with ADHD access appropriate and early support from their GP, including reducing regulatory barriers for prescribing stimulant medications," said RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright.
"Enabling GPs across Australia to better support people living with ADHD will increase access to assessment and treatment, improve the health and wellbeing of patients, as well as reduce wait times and costs, and ease pressure elsewhere in the health system," Dr Wright said.
"With new ADHD clinical guidelines from the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, GPs have a comprehensive, evidence-based resource to assist diagnosis and management of ADHD - we can help improve access and reduce costs for patients and ease our stretched health system," he added. KB
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