Emily Murphy abandoned her ADHD diagnosis process after facing high costs. (ABC Ballarat: Charlotte Wilkes)
In short:
Australians seeking an ADHD diagnosis are facing long wait times, high costs, and limited specialist availability, particularly in regional areas.
The federal government has responded to the National ADHD Inquiry, adopting one of the 15 recommendations and providing in principle support to nine others.
What's next?
Experts are urging systemic reforms and an increase in Medicare funding to ensure equitable and timely access to care.
When Emily Murphy decided to pursue an ADHD diagnosis, she did not expect the journey to be such a challenge.
After the Ballarat resident paid $1,600 for extensive psychological assessments, she then had to consult a psychiatrist.
However, finding one in her regional city was near impossible, and the one Ms Murphy found wanted to test her again.
"I went through all this effort and spent all this money and then I couldn't get the official sign-off," she said.
"Most weren't taking new patients, and the one I found wanted to redo the entire assessment, for [up to] another $2,000."
Frustrated by the costs and delays, Ms Murphy abandoned the process altogether.
She felt unable to request special consideration in her postgraduate qualifications, such as extended deadlines or alternative assessments, to help ease academic challenges.
Despite this, Ms Murphy said she remained grateful for her ADHD assessment journey.
"I have learned so much about my brain, how it works, and why I am the way I am," she said.
Government responds to national inquiry
On Thursday afternoon the federal government released its response to the ADHD National Inquiry, more than a year after the Senate committee presented its findings.
The inquiry made 15 recommendations aimed at improving access to diagnosis and treatment for ADHD, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Senate inquiry into ADHD hands down report
Photo shows A colourful brain illustration imposed over parliament house.
In its response, the government indicated it would support the recommendation to expedite the development of uniform prescribing rules to ensure consistency across state and territory jurisdictions through the ministerial council on health.
It also provided in principle support to a further nine recommendations, including the need to consult with people with lived experience of ADHD, healthcare colleges and organisations to identify additional support measures and provide a review into the Medicare Benefits Schedule to improve accessibility to ADHD-related assessment, diagnosis, and support services.
The inquiry's other five recommendations were noted but not supported.
A federal Department of Health and Aged Care spokesperson said the government welcomed the Senate report.
"The Albanese Labor government is committed to ensuring that all Australians have equitable access to healthcare," the spokesperson said.
"The Senate inquiry gave a wide variety of organisations and individuals the opportunity to share their experiences, perspectives and advice.
"The consumers, advocates, academics, industry representatives, healthcare professionals and experts all provided valuable input. Particularly, those with lived experience who gave evidence to the committee."
A system bottleneck
The barriers to ADHD care are more pronounced outside metropolitan areas, where access to specialists is severely limited.
Simon da Roza advocates for better regional ADHD support. (Supplied: Simon da Roza)
Simon da Roza, a neurodiverse coach originally from Mudgee, New South Wales, recalls the struggles his family faced.
"In the bush, the attitude was, 'Let's fix it ourselves'. But ADHD isn't one-size-fits-all, and the lack of support has real consequences," Mr da Roza said.
"Without proper intervention, people can fall into cycles of mental health issues, school suspensions, and even incarceration."
Research by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association highlights this alarming trend.
Misdiagnosis or a late diagnosis of neurodivergence can lead to anxiety and depression. (ABC Kimberley: Tom Forrest)
ADHD prevalence is five times higher among youth prisoners and 10 times higher among adult prisoners compared to the general population.
Kim Savige, a neurodiverse family support specialist from Traralgon, Victoria, echoes these concerns.
Kim Savige says there is lack of affordable ADHD care in regional communities. (Supplied: Kim Savige)
"In regional areas, waitlists can stretch for months or even over a year," Ms Savige said.
"The costs are often unattainable for families on low incomes, and many professionals lack the understanding needed for neurodiverse clients.
"There are direct links between ADHD and higher risks of family violence, depression, and substance use when left undiagnosed or unsupported."
Addressing the care crisis
While many psychologists can diagnose ADHD and provide reports to a GP or other specialist, only psychiatrists and paediatricians can prescribe the appropriate medications, creating a bottleneck in an already overstretched system.
For those in rural and regional areas, this limitation translates to extended delays, higher costs, and a lack of care altogether.
Alison Poulton is calling for better GP pay to encourage their role in ADHD care. (Supplied: Alison Poulton)
Senior lecturer in paediatrics at the University of Sydney, Alison Poulton, said that addressing the issue required a comprehensive overhaul of the current system.
"There's never going to be enough specialists to go around," Dr Poulton said.
"What we need to do is train GPs to diagnose and medically treat ADHD in general practice."
Dr Poulton said that this was especially critical in regional areas.
"Part of the solution is recognising GPs as skilled specialists in primary care, with adequate compensation from Medicare," she said.
"The current pay structure hasn't kept up, and that's one of the reasons general practice isn't as popular as it should be."
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