People with ADHD to save thousands as GPs gain skills

Families with ADHD could save thousands of dollars a year as GPs are given more powers to treat the condition.

A growing number of GPs can help continue prescriptions for ADHD patients over the age of six in NSW after the state government passed reforms expanding the toolbox for doctors who undergo specialist training.

As a result, those with ADHD may no longer be forced to endure long waits for costly psychiatrist appointments when their prescription runs out.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects a person's ability to control their thoughts, actions and emotions, which can impact their relationships and performance at school or work.

With estimates of up to 175,000 children and 632,000 adults living with the condition in NSW, out-of-pocket savings could total $1.13 billion per year, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs.

Given genes can play a role in ADHD, families with three patients could save up to $4200 every year.

Premier Chris Minns called the reforms a "common sense change" as many parts of the state are facing psychiatric shortages and a single psychiatric session to get a repeat script could cost between $500 and $900.

"It would be enormously frustrating for a patient, a parent, a caregiver, to be in a situation where there's help out there - medication will make a massive difference to happiness, to effectiveness, to make sure that a child lives their best self - but not be able to access it," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"This is a change that's important for the state, it's important for families, it'll make a big difference for the cost of living."

Since the changes took effect in September, almost 3000 people, including 11-year-old Tessa Monks, have received a new script from the 560 specialist GPs who have trained to be "continuation prescribers".

A global shortage on long-acting medication meant Tessa faced the prospect of attending two school terms unmedicated.

But her family's GP was able to help bridge the gap by prescribing her with the same dose of medication in a short-acting measure.

"Bringing our GP closer into our ADHD management and care has just been fantastic," her mum Jen Chambers said as she stood alongside the premier.

"It's someone that's a lot more accessible.

"They know us as a family, they know Tessa personally, and so we get such a great quality of care."

The Royal Australian College of GPs is encouraging more doctors to undergo the prescription training and help increase access to ADHD care.