Title: Australians Struggle for Support Amid Shortage of ADHD Specialists
A shortage of ADHD specialists in Australia is leaving many individuals struggling to find the support they need. People like Aaron Annese, who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in his late 20s, are facing long waitlists ranging from 12 weeks to 12 months to see a specialist in the field. While discovering his diagnosis changed his life for the better, managing ADHD has proven to be incredibly challenging due to the lack of available professionals and resources.
Annese, now 32, emphasizes the difficulty faced by those without proper support, stating, I don’t know where they get it because there’s nothing really available. Finding the right medication and dosage can be a vital part of ADHD treatment, but adjusting prescriptions often requires going back to a general practitioner for a referral to a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, the process of finding an effective medication can be frustrating and time-consuming, with delays of three to six months not uncommon.
Sharon Lawn, a former lead mental health commissioner for SA and the current director of the mental health advocacy group Lived Experience Australia, highlights the widespread lack of available services and the urgency of the situation. She believes that ADHD has not received the prioritization it deserves, resulting in a system that is struggling to catch up with the growing demand for assessment and support.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) reports that ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting 8.2 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults in Australia. Shockingly, untreated ADHD is estimated to cost the economy $20 billion per year. Despite these figures, the condition remains poorly understood by healthcare services, governments, the general public, and even many medical professionals.
Patrick Clarke, the chair of RANZCP’s SA branch, conducted a survey among doctors studying to become psychiatrists and found that they lacked confidence and experience in managing adult ADHD cases. This shortage of health professionals trained in the treatment of adult ADHD has forced individuals to spend significant amounts of money on appointments with private psychiatrists. This financial burden is particularly challenging for those with ADHD-related employment difficulties.
Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the strain on mental health services across the country, including for ADHD support. Dr. Clarke reveals that he has had to close his private practice to new patients multiple times due to overwhelming demand. However, there is some hope for the future, as the SA branch of RANZCP is working closely with the state government to address the deficits in the current system and develop a workforce plan that can cater to the needs of the future.
In response to the ongoing issues, SA Health has acknowledged the barriers faced by adults with ADHD in receiving timely diagnosis, assessments, and treatments. They are currently developing a Chief Psychiatrist Standard for ADHD assessment and treatment in the public system, with the aim of improving access and training in this area. This initiative seeks to ensure that future practitioners feel confident in working with ADHD patients.
Aaron Annese remains concerned that people will continue to fall through the cracks due to lengthy wait times and rising costs. He emphasizes that everyone deserves support and the opportunity to be healthy. Therefore, it is crucial for society to prioritize ADHD assessment, treatment, and ongoing management to address the needs of those with the condition and prevent them from being forgotten.
The shortage of ADHD specialists in Australia has become a pressing issue, affecting thousands of individuals who are desperately seeking support and comprehensive care. The government’s Senate inquiry aims to identify the barriers to timely assessment and support services for ADHD, offering hope for positive change in the near future.
