A parliamentary report tabled yesterday, August 11, has brought to light the significant challenges Tasmanians face in accessing diagnosis and treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The report found that the state’s public health system is struggling to meet demand, forcing many to seek expensive private care.
The inquiry, driven by former state Liberal MP Simon Behrakis, who himself experienced barriers to adult re-diagnosis and treatment, highlighted that Tasmanians can face wait times of nine to eleven months or even longer for an ADHD diagnosis. For those turning to the private sector, costs for a diagnosis can soar upwards of $3,000, a prohibitive sum for many families across the Eastern Shore and wider Tasmania, the ABC reported.
The report underscores a critical shortage of specialists, with most private paediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists currently unable to accept new clients. Specifically for adults, there are only three psychiatrists in Tasmania actively involved in ADHD assessment and treatment, all operating within private practice, with one exclusively via telehealth. This limited capacity in public adult mental health services means many patients do not meet admission criteria, further exacerbating the issue.
Mr Behrakis described the tabling of the report as “a very proud day,” noting that it contains numerous “confronting” findings and recommendations for the government. He emphasised the importance of early identification in children to ensure they receive the necessary understanding and support during their formative years.
In response to these challenges, the Tasmanian government has already begun implementing some recommendations. Forty-eight General Practitioners (GPs) have now been trained to diagnose and manage ADHD, a commitment made during the 2025 election. Health Minister Bridget Archer stated that the government is working to enable trained GPs to diagnose, treat, and manage ADHD for both children and adults. This initiative aims to provide faster access to medication, reduce costs for patients, and improve continuity of care, the ABC reported.
Key recommendations from the report also include efforts to remove the stigma associated with seeking medication and reintroducing dual prescribing, which would allow both GPs and psychiatrists to prescribe ADHD medication. This move is intended to free up psychiatrists to focus on diagnosing individuals who have been on long waiting lists.
The parliamentary inquiry heard from numerous Tasmanians with lived experience, with Labor MP Ella Haddad, a member of the inquiry committee, calling it a “powerful opportunity to listen” and better understand the challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support. The report highlights that the current system “serves no one” and that ADHD impacts every aspect of individuals’ lives, including home, school, work, and relationships.
Readers seeking more information are encouraged to consult the original ABC News report.