Can a GP Prescribe ADHD Medication in Queensland?

Short answer: Yes. Since 1 December 2025, Queensland GPs with specialist registration in general practice can diagnose adult ADHD and start, adjust and continue stimulant medication without a psychiatrist and without a Queensland Health approval, up to the maximum daily dose.¹²

The rules in Queensland

• Any GP with specialist registration in general practice on the Ahpra register (a vocationally registered GP) can initiate, modify and continue psychostimulants for adults aged 18 and over, up to the maximum daily dose, without a Queensland Health approval.²
• GPs without specialist registration who treat adults still need a Queensland Health prescribing approval and a supporting psychiatrist.¹
• Any doctor can prescribe psychostimulants for children aged 4–17 without an approval.
• Prescribers must check QScript, Queensland’s real-time prescription monitoring system, before prescribing a monitored medicine.³

Rules for prescribing ADHD medication, including stimulants, are set by each state and territory and have been changing quickly. The points above reflect the Queensland Health position as published in October 2026 — check the linked sources for the current wording.

What this means for you

For adults in Queensland this is the most direct pathway in the country: a vocationally registered GP can assess you, diagnose ADHD and prescribe in the same course of care. Our Queensland-based doctors are vocationally registered GPs, so the full assessment-to-treatment pathway is available by telehealth.

Diagnosis and prescribing are two different permissions

In every state, diagnosing ADHD and prescribing stimulant medication are governed separately. A diagnosis is a clinical judgement against the DSM-5 criteria that any suitably skilled doctor or psychologist can make; prescribing Schedule 8 stimulants is controlled by state law, with permits, approvals, authorities or designations depending on where you live, and every prescription is recorded in the state’s real-time prescription monitoring system (QScript in Queensland). Read more in who can diagnose ADHD in Australia.

How our telehealth assessment works

Our doctors are vocationally registered Australian GPs who assess, diagnose and manage adult ADHD by video, working within the rules that apply where you live. The assessment is two appointments — a 45-minute initial assessment and a 30-minute follow-up — with a blood test and ECG in between. Where the rules in your state require a specialist to make the diagnosis or start medication, your GP will explain that at your assessment and what the options are. See how the assessment works.

Frequently asked questions

Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Queensland?

Yes. Since 1 December 2025, Queensland GPs with specialist registration in general practice can assess and diagnose adult ADHD and prescribe medication without a psychiatrist referral.

Do I need a referral to see a GP for ADHD in Queensland?

No. You can book directly with a GP; no referral from another doctor is required.

Can any GP prescribe ADHD stimulants in Queensland?

Any vocationally registered (specialist) GP can for adults. GPs without specialist registration need a Queensland Health prescribing approval and a supporting psychiatrist.

Next steps

Compare the rules in every state in can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia, read how much an ADHD diagnosis costs, or start with the free ADHD self-assessment.

This article is general information only and is not medical or legal advice. State prescribing rules change; the official sources linked in the references are the authority. ADHD GP is a private telehealth clinic staffed by AHPRA-registered Australian GPs.

Book your ADHD assessment

References

1. Queensland Health. Prescribing psychostimulants for ADHD — expanded prescribing rights. 2025. www.health.qld.gov.au — Queensland GPs can diagnose and treat adult ADHD, including prescribing psychostimulants, under the expanded prescribing rights in force from December 2025.
2. Queensland Health. Fact sheet: prescribing psychostimulants for ADHD. 2025. www.health.qld.gov.au — All specialist GPs can initiate, modify and continue psychostimulants for adults with ADHD; no Queensland Health approval needed up to the maximum daily dose.
3. Queensland Health. About QScript (real-time prescription monitoring). 2026. www.health.qld.gov.au — Queensland prescribers must check QScript before prescribing monitored medicines such as psychostimulants.

Sources were last checked on 5 October 2026. See all sources used on this site on our Sources page.