ADHD Prescribing in Australia: What Patients Should Know
Recent national reporting in The Australian (January 2026) highlighted that stimulant medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are now among the fastest-growing prescriptions on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has noted that while improved recognition of ADHD is important, careful assessment remains essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe prescribing.
ADHD Diagnosis Requires Comprehensive Assessment
ADHD symptoms can overlap with many other psychiatric and medical conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and bipolar disorder
- Trauma-related presentations
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Sleep disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Symptoms of perimenopause
Because of this overlap, diagnosis is not based on a checklist alone. The checklist only informs us that the patient may suffer from ADHD. It does not tell us that they do. A thorough psychiatric assessment considers developmental history, current symptoms, functional impact, physical health factors, and alternative explanations for distress or concentration difficulties.
What Are the Rules Around ADHD Prescribing?
In Australia, stimulant medications such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) are classified as Schedule 8 controlled medications. This means they are tightly regulated.
Before stimulant medication can be prescribed, patients generally require:
- A comprehensive psychiatric assessment
- Confirmation that diagnostic criteria are met
- Corroborative history from childhood such as providing school reports and a history from a parent or sibling
- Consideration of other contributing conditions
- Physical health screening, including cardiovascular risk
- Discussion of potential risks and benefits
- Ongoing review and monitoring
In some states, once a patient is stable, a GP may continue prescribing under a formal shared-care arrangement. However, specialist involvement is often important in cases where there may be more than one psychiatric illness present or with unclear presentations.
Are Stimulant Medications Safe?
Stimulant medications can be effective for many individuals when prescribed appropriately. However, like all medications, they carry potential risks, including:
- Sleep disturbance
- Appetite suppression
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Increased Anxiety
- Mood instability
- Rarely, psychosis or manic symptoms
Regular monitoring is therefore an important part of safe treatment.
A Balanced Approach
The recent growth in prescriptions has prompted discussion about possible overdiagnosis. These concerns highlight the importance of careful, evidence-based psychiatric assessment rather than quick or purely checklist-based approaches.
If you are concerned about attention difficulties, impulsivity or concentration problems, speaking with your GP is an appropriate first step. Referral to a psychiatrist allows for comprehensive assessment and individualised treatment planning.
Reference:
Robinson, N. (January 11, 2026). Stimulant meds for ADHD now fastest-growing drug on PBS. The Australian.