Australia Releases First ADHD Prescribing Guide

The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) has launched the first ADHD Prescribing Guide for Australian healthcare providers, aimed at standardizing treatment across the nation. This guide addresses significant variability in ADHD medication practices and emphasizes the importance of tailored treatment, acknowledging that ADHD is 'easy to treat but hard to treat well', according to AADPA President, Prof. David Coghill. With rising diagnoses of ADHD, particularly among adults, the guide intends to improve care quality while complementing healthcare professionals' expertise. Concurrently, experiences shared by individuals diagnosed later in life highlight challenges faced by women and the outdated diagnostic criteria, which often focus on hyperactive boys. Additionally, studies indicate untreated ADHD can lead to increased risks of substance abuse, emphasizing the need for effective treatment strategies. As ADHD awareness grows, so does the need for consistent and informed prescribing practices to better support those affected.