ADHD Assessments Southport
ADHD Assessment and Management at Southport Metro Doctors
Updated for Queensland GP prescribing changes from 1 December
From 1 December, specialist GPs in Queensland are permitted to diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medications for adults. This is a significant improvement in access to care. It does not mean instant diagnoses or same-day stimulant prescriptions.
Below is what the changes actually mean in a general practice setting and what you can expect when seeking ADHD assessment and management at Southport Metro Doctors.
What Has Changed in Queensland
Queensland is the first state in Australia to allow appropriately trained specialist GPs to diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for adults.
These reforms aim to improve care by:
Expanded scope
Participating GPs can diagnose ADHD in adults and initiate, adjust, and continue stimulant prescribing.
Improved access
Reduced wait times and fewer barriers, particularly for patients who have struggled to access psychiatric care.
Potential cost savings
Seeing a GP rather than a psychiatrist may reduce out-of-pocket costs, often by hundreds of dollars per year.
Whole-person care
ADHD is managed alongside your broader physical and mental health, including psychology, behavioural strategies, and allied health where appropriate.
Ongoing specialist involvement
Psychiatrists continue to play an important role in complex cases, comorbid mental health conditions, or where specialist review is required.
What This Means for Patients at Southport Metro Doctors
Not all doctors at Southport Metro Doctors offer ADHD diagnosis or stimulant prescribing. Only GPs who have completed the required training and are comfortable managing ADHD care will provide this service.
For patients seeing a participating GP, please understand:
- ADHD assessment is a multi-step process, not a single appointment
- Diagnosis usually requires two to three consultations, and more if your history is complex
- Standardised ADHD questionnaires must be completed
- Additional information may be requested, including
- school reports
- previous psychiatric or psychologist letters
- medication history or prior prescriptions
- collateral history from family
- Referral to a psychiatrist may still be required in unclear or higher-risk cases
- Stimulant medication is not prescribed at the first appointment, regardless of previous diagnosis
- Medication is only considered once the assessment process is complete and requirements are met
This applies to both new assessments and patients with historical diagnoses.
If You Have Been Diagnosed Previously
If you have a confirmed ADHD diagnosis and have previously taken stimulant medication, participating GPs at Southport Metro Doctors may be able to continue prescribing once your documentation has been reviewed and confirmed to meet Queensland regulatory requirements.
Please bring or upload all relevant documents, including:
- previous assessment reports
- psychiatrist or psychologist letters
- medication history
- old prescriptions
- relevant medical notes
Incomplete documentation may delay care.
Starting or Adjusting Medication
Commencing or changing ADHD medication takes time and monitoring. You should expect follow-up appointments to:
- adjust dosage
- monitor side effects
- check blood pressure, pulse, appetite, and sleep
- assess effectiveness
- determine the most appropriate formulation
Once your treatment is stable, ongoing reviews will occur at appropriate intervals.
Living With ADHD
Diagnosis is only the starting point. Your GP will work with you to understand how ADHD affects your daily life, including work, study, routines, emotional regulation, sleep, relationships, and lifestyle factors.
Medication can be helpful, but it is only one part of safe and effective ADHD management.
What We Ask of Our Patients
To ensure care is safe, appropriate, and efficient, we ask that you:
- attend all booked appointments
- complete questionnaires prior to your visit
- upload requested documents promptly
- attend face-to-face appointments for diagnosis and medication commencement
- understand that stimulant prescribing is not guaranteed
- recognise that ADHD assessment is a structured, evidence-based process
Our GPs aim to work openly and transparently with patients throughout this process, with patient safety and quality care as the priority.
