The concerning rise of rapid and potentially inaccurate ADHD diagnosis in Australia is sparking concerns among healthcare professionals and experts, with urgent calls for the Federal Government to publish its now overdue response to the 2023 Senate Inquiry.

Globally recognised ADHD expert Professor David Coghill, who is in Perth to highlight the growing issue, says ‘quick fixes’ for ADHD are becoming increasingly popular, with offers of swift diagnosis and prescriptions, raising concerns over the quality of care received by patients.

Reports have indicated that huge wait times for mental health assessments have potentially contributed to a demand for quick fix telehealth services or same-day appointments, which are being offered to patients for exorbitant prices with promise of a fast turnaround for ADHD diagnosis.

Professor Coghill, who is a Professor of Child and Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and the President of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, says he is concerned about the lack of comprehensive assessment leading to inaccurate ADHD diagnoses.

“While there is still an important discussion about improving access to services, we also need to ensure the quality of services that are provided,” Professor Coghill said.

“We need greater oversight and regulation of these ‘quick fix’ options to ensure individuals with ADHD receive the comprehensive care they deserve.” 

“However, it is difficult for any level of government to take action on this important issue until the Federal Government’s response to the Senate Inquiry into ADHD has been published.”

One of the key recommendations of the 2023 Senate Inquiry was that all levels of government consider investing in the implementation of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association’s evidence-based clinical practice guideline for ADHD. The Guideline recommends that ADHD assessments need to be thorough and based on in depth clinical interviews.

Dr Kyle Hoath is Vice President of Western Australia’s Australian Medical Association (AMA), and a consulting psychiatrist and director of Oqea – a WA-based digital platform set up to provide person-centric support and evidence-based content while helping address delays with ADHD treatment.

Dr Hoath and Oqea are supporting Dr Coghill’s call for an urgent response to the Senate Enquiry, saying the over-reliance on medication as a stand-alone solution for ADHD is a worrying trend that could have long-term implications for patients’ health and well-being. 

“It is crucial to promote evidence-based practices and holistic approaches to diagnosis and treatment to address the complex needs to individuals with ADHD in Australia,” said Dr Hoath.

“This should include non-medication approaches to support people with ADHD and those around them.” 

“In particular, a digital-focused approach will be critical to ensure the quality of care in the public and private sectors, particularly considering the recent Federal Budget includes a significant investment in digital health.”  

“A digital solution is particularly crucial in a State as large as WA, where touchpoints and funding centre around regional and Indigenous health.”

“Policymakers, healthcare professionals and community members need to work together to advocate for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges associated with this complex disorder.”

The Department of Health’s report on ADHD medications in Australia (up to September 2023), highlights an overall rise in prescribing rates of around 25% for ADHD across different ages (FY 2019-20 to 2022-23). 

A further analysis found ADHD medication levels had more than doubled in the past five years: from 1.4million prescriptions given to 186,000 people in 2018, to 3.2 million prescriptions to 414,000 people in 2022.

During the same period, the costs to taxpayers through the Federal Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) also rose, from $59.2 million to $151.96 million.

Dr Hoath said Oqea’s goal of improving access to ADHD evidence-based resources and clinical services using a person-centred model of care, delivered through their digital platform, could ensure consistency and quality of care without an over-reliance on medication. 

Professor Coghill and his team are in WA looking at ways that they can work with Oqea to harness A-I to deliver high-quality clinical services while at the same time taking steps towards improving ADHD diagnosis and treatment productivity – ultimately to provide better quality services.  

About Oqea

Oqea is leading change to improve access to ADHD evidence-based resources and clinical services by their person-centred model of care, efficiently delivered through their digital platform, ensuring consistency and quality of care. 

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