ADHD diagnosis and treatments
The Health Service at the University of Melbourne has experienced a significant increase in requests for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) assessments for medication treatment and management. The following information is intended to assist our community in finding further information and support regarding these requests.
Summary of information
We have compiled this information to:
- Outline the reasons and necessity for psychiatrist-guided ADHD diagnosis for medication treatment and management in Victoria.
- Provide information on suggested steps for an ADHD diagnosis for medication treatment and management, with a list of some external providers that indicate they offer these services.
- Provide an overview of some other non-pharmacological treatment options.
Victorian regulations for ADHD medication treatment and management
In Victoria, ADHD can be assessed and diagnosed by several types of qualified health professionals, including psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists. (Additionally, from late 2026, a subset of 150 GPs across the state who have completed specific accredited training will also be able to diagnose and treat ADHD. More information on this is expected from the Victorian Government ahead of the proposed change.)
Currently, adults specifically seeking ADHD medication treatment and management require an assessment and a diagnosis from a psychiatrist. This mandate is primarily based on regulatory and clinical guidelines designed to ensure accuracy, thorough evaluation, and effective management of the condition. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with extensive training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including ADHD. They possess the necessary expertise to conduct thorough assessments that rule out other potential medical conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms. This comprehensive approach is crucial given the complexity of ADHD and its frequent comorbidities with other mental health issues.
Medications used for ADHD treatment are classified as Schedule 8 Controlled Substances, which require a higher level of supervision due to their potential for abuse and dependence. To mitigate these risks, The Victorian Department of Health has implemented stringent regulation measures on the prescribing of these medications. Psychiatrists, along with paediatricians, are the only professionals authorised to prescribe these medications without additional permits. Some General Practitioners (GPs) may be able to oversee medication management by obtaining a special permit for Schedule 8 controlled substances, provided there is an established formal ADHD diagnosis by a psychiatrist. This is decided on by each GP. The GPs currently with this permit are extremely limited at the Health Service.
Previous diagnosis from interstate or overseas
In cases where a person has previously received an ADHD diagnosis from an overseas healthcare professional, it is still required that an Australian psychiatrist reassess the diagnosis. This is to ensure compliance with local clinical guidelines and to formulate a treatment plan that adheres to regulatory standards for initiation or continuation of ADHD medication in Victoria.
In cases where a person has previously received an ADHD diagnosis from another state in Australia, while the diagnosis is generally recognised nationally, the prescribing of medication treatment is subject to specific regulations that vary between states and territories . Therefore, it’s advisable for individuals to provide comprehensive documentation of their diagnosis, including assessment reports and treatment history when seeing a Victorian healthcare provider for the first time. This is to help create an individualised plan to ensure continuity of care.
Significance of current regulation
This regulation ensures that the prescription and management of these controlled substances are managed by professionals with the necessary proficiency and highest level of understanding of the condition and its treatments, ensuring that individuals receive the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Suggested steps for diagnosis and medication treatment and management
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Explore and contact the list of psychiatrists provided below to inquire about their services, availability, costs and wait times. Identify a psychiatrist or service that you would like to attend.
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Schedule an appointment with a GP who can assist with ongoing ADHD care, or ask your current GP to nominate a GP with the capacity to assist with this (potentially from the GP clinic list below, or you could contact your local clinics to enquire). Explain and discuss your symptoms and impacts on daily life and obtain a referral letter addressed specifically to the psychiatrist or service you will be attending for the ADHD diagnostic assessment.
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Forward your referral to the psychiatrist or service, book initial and follow-up appointments to undergo a thorough assessment.
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If ADHD diagnosis is confirmed from Step 3 and medication treatment is deemed appropriate, this can be managed by:
- The diagnosing psychiatrist; or
- If the psychiatrist provides an 'assessment only' service, they will provide a report and delegation letter for a GP for medication prescribing. You will need a GP who takes on ADHD medication management. The report and delegation letter will assist the GP to apply for a Schedule 8 permit on an individual basis, so they can prescribe medication and continue managing your treatment.
External psychiatry services for ADHD
ADHD assessment and support services:
- ADHD-BED Integrated
- Elite Focus Adult ADHD Clinic
- eMindAlly
- Epsychiatry - Victoria
- Fluence Clinic
- HelloDoc - Nationwide Telepsychiatry Service
- Living Well Psychiatry
- Melbourne Mental Health
- Mind Health Care
- Monarch Mental Health Group
- My Mind Clinic
- Neurocare Australia – Melbourne
- NeuroCentrix
- OzADHD
- Serenity Clinic (Dr Sadia Saeed)
- The ADHD Psychiatry Clinic
You can also access The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Your Health in Mind website. Use the ‘Find a psychiatrist' tab for more targeted search for individual psychiatrists in the community based on expertise and other criteria. You can contact them directly to enquire about their availability.
In addition, The ADHD Foundation confirms that it is an approved trusted partner of Healthdirect Australia and provides accurate and reliable information for anyone looking for ADHD pathways to diagnosis, as well as information and support.
Community GP Clinics with ADHD medication treatment and management services
| Clinic | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| CBD Doctors Melbourne | +61 3 9077 9912 |
| Doctors of Northcote | +61 3 8481 3600 |
| Doctors of South Melbourne | +61 3 8579 6838 |
| Junction Place Medical Centre (Hawthorn) | +61 3 9813 1088 |
| MyClinic Prahran | +61 3 9826 2699 |
| Myhealth Brunswick | +61 3 9385 1250 |
| Myhealth Carlton | +61 3 9347 7711 |
| Myhealth Mentone | +61 3 9598 9911 |
| The Local Doctor GP Clinic (Diamond Creek and Ivanhoe) | +61 3 8373 4646 |
| The Town Medical Centre | +61 3 9670 5777 |
Overview of other treatments
The Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD, developed by the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), provides comprehensive guidance on non-medication treatments. The guideline emphasises the importance of a multimodal approach to ADHD treatment, integrating behavioural, educational and psychological interventions with or without medication, depending on individual needs.
Non-pharmacological interventions offer diverse and effective options for managing ADHD in adults. Supported by recent research, these approaches provide valuable tools for symptom management, improving overall functioning and quality of life. These interventions can also be combined with medication to provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment strategy for adults with ADHD.
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Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely recognised for its effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms in adults. CBT helps individuals develop practical skills to manage their symptoms, such as organisational strategies, time management and problem-solving techniques.
References
- A study by Emilsson et al. (2011) demonstrated that CBT significantly reduces ADHD symptoms and improves overall functioning in adults. The therapy focuses on modifying negative thought patterns and behaviours, leading to better emotional regulation and reduced impulsivity. ( Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Medication-Treated Adults With ADHD and Persistent Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial )
- Safren et al. (2010) conducted a randomised controlled trial that found CBT, when combined with medication, was more effective than medication alone in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving functioning. (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Relaxation With Educational Support for Medication-Treated Adults With ADHD and Persistent Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial)
- A 2020 meta-analysis by Young et al. highlighted the benefits of CBT in improving executive functioning, emotional control, and reducing comorbid symptoms such as anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD. (The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials)
- A study by Liu et al. (2023) provides a comprehensive analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with ADHD, aggregating results to assess CBT’s effectiveness in reducing both core ADHD symptoms and associated emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. (Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural-based interventions for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder extends beyond core symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials )
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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines the principles of cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices. This approach helps individuals with ADHD become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, enabling them to manage their reactions better. MBCT has been shown to reduce stress, improve attention and enhance emotional regulation.
References
- A study by Hepark et al. (2019) found that MBCT led to significant improvements in core ADHD symptoms and executive functioning. (The Efficacy of Adapted MBCT on Core Symptoms and Executive Functioning in Adults With ADHD: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial)
- Gu et al. (2018) conducted a randomised controlled trial which demonstrated that MBCT significantly improved attention and reduced hyperactivity in university students with ADHD. (A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for College Students With ADHD)
- Mitchell et al. (2013) found that adults with ADHD who participated in an MBCT program reported reduced ADHD symptoms and improved quality of life compared to a control group. (A Pilot Trial of Mindfulness Meditation Training for ADHD in Adulthood: Impact on Core Symptoms, Executive Functioning, and Emotion Dysregulation)
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ADHD coaching involves a collaborative, client-centred process that supports individuals in achieving personal goals and improving daily functioning. Coaches help clients develop strategies for managing time, organising tasks, and maintaining focus. ADHD coaching can lead to improvements in self-esteem, productivity, and overall quality of life. Research indicates that coaching is effective in helping adults with ADHD achieve better self-management and goal attainment.
References
- A study by Prevatt and Yelland (2015) showed that ADHD coaching led to significant improvements in academic performance and self-efficacy among university students with ADHD. (An Empirical Evaluation of ADHD Coaching in College Students)
- Parker and Boutelle (2019) found that adults who received ADHD coaching reported enhanced time management skills, increased self-confidence and reduced ADHD-related impairments. (Self-Control in Postsecondary Settings: Students’ Perceptions of ADHD College Coaching)
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Lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and effective stress management, can greatly influence the management of ADHD symptoms. Exercise in particular, has been shown to enhance cognitive function, improve attention and reduce symptoms of hyperactivity. Creating a structured environment and maintaining consistent routines can also help manage ADHD symptoms effectively.
References
- A study by Vysniauske et al. (2020) highlighted the value of incorporating physical exercise as a valuable complement to other ADHD treatments. The findings suggest that regular, structured exercise can lead to meaningful impact on functional outcomes. (The Effects of Physical Exercise on Functional Outcomes in the Treatment of ADHD: A Meta-Analysis)
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Peer support and psychoeducation programs provide valuable emotional support and practical advice from others who understand the challenges of living with ADHD. These interventions can help reduce feelings of isolation, enhance coping strategies and provide insights into effective symptom management. Engaging in peer support has been linked to improved self-management and overall quality of life.
References
- A study by Nordby et al. (2021) investigated the efficacy of a group-based program specifically tailored for adults with ADHD. Many participants reported that sharing their experiences and learning from others’ strategies made them feel less isolated. The findings underscore the effectiveness of combining psychoeducation with group interaction, which proves beneficial for improving life management skills and providing both cognitive and emotional support.
('Goal management training for adults with ADHD –clients' experiences with a group-based intervention') - A study by Skliarova et al. (2024) highlighted that adults with ADHD can greatly benefit from structured psychoeducational group sessions. These sessions not only improve ADHD-related knowledge but also foster a sense of community and mutual understanding, enhancing coping strategies and emotional resilience. Peer support emerged as a critical component, enabling participants to feel understood, which contributed to more positive psychological outcomes. ('Psychoeducational group interventions for adults diagnosed with ADHD: A scoping review of feasibility, acceptability, and outcome')
- A study by Nordby et al. (2021) investigated the efficacy of a group-based program specifically tailored for adults with ADHD. Many participants reported that sharing their experiences and learning from others’ strategies made them feel less isolated. The findings underscore the effectiveness of combining psychoeducation with group interaction, which proves beneficial for improving life management skills and providing both cognitive and emotional support.
Disclaimer:
All information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you might have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this guide.
The University Health Service at the University of Melbourne is not affiliated with any of the services mentioned on this page. The list has been curated and compiled using resources on providers' websites. It is intended to serve as an information guide to potential available services in the community for the diagnosis and medication treatment and management of ADHD. While we strive to provide up-to-date information, the availability of these services can change, as providers may adjust their service offerings, or close their books due to increased demand, without notice. The information provided on this page does not guarantee access to any services and should not be used as the sole resource for guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. It is highly recommended that you contact providers directly to confirm their current availability, wait times, and specific details relevant to your needs.