How to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult in Australia: a GP's honest guide.
By the time most adults seek an ADHD assessment, they've already spent years investigating themselves.
JS
Dr Jas Saini, Principal GPRosedale Medical Practice · West Pennant Hills
11 min read
It is rarely an impulsive decision. When I ask new patients how long they have been wondering, the honest answer is often years. Sometimes decades.
It is 1am. The house is quiet, everyone else is asleep, and you are doing an online ADHD quiz by the light of your phone, half-hoping it says yes and half-hoping it says no.
It says yes.
You close the tab anyway.
You have rehearsed the conversation with a doctor, and then talked yourself out of it.
Because what if they say you're fine? What if everyone struggles like this? What if you just need a better planner?
For others, the honest answer is different. Never. Not once. This is especially common among women. There was no suspicion. No online quiz. No carefully rehearsed conversation. Instead, there was a paediatrician's office. A child being assessed. A list of ADHD criteria being read aloud. And a growing feeling that the doctor wasn't describing their child at all. They were describing them.
Patients tell me the moment lands like a freight train. Not gradually. All at once.
"Wait. That's me."
Suddenly decades of forgotten appointments, unfinished projects, last-minute panics, lost keys, abandoned planners, and relentless self-criticism rearrange themselves into a story that finally makes sense. The feeling that follows is rarely simple. Relief. Grief. Validation. Anger. Sometimes all before they have even left the car park.
I'm a GP, and I've sat on the other side of both versions of that conversation hundreds of times. The person who has suspected ADHD for years. And the person who never suspected it for a second. What I tell both of them is the same.
You are not asking for a label. You are asking for an explanation.
There is a difference. And while the Australian system can sometimes feel confusing to navigate, there are pathways to getting a proper answer.
This guide will walk you through what ADHD actually looks like in adults, who can diagnose it in Australia, what an assessment involves, what it costs, how long it takes, and what happens next.
Signs of ADHD in adults: what you're actually looking for
One of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD is that people cannot pay attention. Most can. In fact, many can pay attention extraordinarily well. The problem is often deciding where that attention goes. It is pulled toward interest, novelty, challenge, and sometimes panic.
Unfortunately, life is mostly made up of things that are merely important. That is why someone can spend six uninterrupted hours researching a new hobby, then struggle for three weeks to submit a two-page form.
The adult version of ADHD is quieter, and it hides in the texture of ordinary days. Seventeen tabs open, in the browser and in your head. Meetings where you catch the first sentence and the last and reconstruct the middle from context.
A five-minute task takes three hours, a three-hour task gets done in a panic-fuelled forty minutes at 11pm, and somehow the panic version is your best work. The "ADHD tax" of late fees, lost deposits, and a gym membership you forgot to cancel in 2023.
From the outside it looks like a slightly chaotic but functioning life. From the inside it feels like rowing twice as hard to stay in the same place.
And then there is the part that confuses people most: the hyperfocus. "If I can lock onto a project I love for six hours straight, surely I can't have ADHD?" I have heard a version of that sentence from more patients than I can count.
ADHD is not a deficit of attention so much as an inconsistent regulation of it. Attention follows interest and urgency, not importance. That is why capable, intelligent adults can excel in one domain while routine admin quietly buries them.
ADHD presents across a spectrum of severity from mild to severe, and in inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types. Each has a different surface texture, but the same underlying pattern.
Three ADHD patients GPs meet again and again
The parent diagnosed after their child
Often the mother, and often someone who never once suspected ADHD in herself. Her son or daughter is assessed, the paediatrician reads out the criteria, and she goes very quiet in the corner of the room. She is holding the parent questionnaire, ticking boxes about her child, and realising she is also describing herself at eight years old.
Patients describe the same realisation almost every time: everything finally makes sense. Family history is one of the strongest predictors of ADHD, and a child's diagnosis is one of the most common doorways into an adult one.
The woman told it was anxiety
Often in her 30s or 40s, often high achieving, often treated for anxiety or low mood for a decade with partial results. Girls who internalise their symptoms get described as dreamy or sensitive rather than disruptive, and they slip through every net. Many describe the same moment: reading something written by another late-diagnosed woman, sitting very still when they finish, then reading it again. Many also carry a quieter fear into the consultation room: that they will not be believed.
Being articulate and successful does not rule out ADHD. Often it is the very thing hiding it.
The high performer whose scaffolding collapsed
They seemed fine until the structure changed. A promotion with no external deadlines. A new baby. The shift to working from home. The first sign is often physical: the Sunday-night dread, the inbox that can no longer be opened, the report whose first line has been rewritten nine times. The systems quietly holding everything together disappear, and what was always underneath becomes visible.
This is not new ADHD. It is old ADHD with the camouflage removed.
Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia?
This is where most people get stuck, so let me lay the pathways out plainly.
The psychiatrist pathway
The traditional route: your GP writes a referral to a psychiatrist, who conducts the assessment and, if appropriate, initiates treatment. Psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe stimulant medication. The trade-offs are wait times, which in many parts of Australia run from several months to over a year, and cost, with a full assessment often totalling well over a thousand dollars across multiple appointments.
The psychologist pathway
Psychologists with ADHD expertise can conduct comprehensive diagnostic assessments and provide detailed reports. They cannot prescribe medication, so if treatment includes medication you will still need a psychiatrist or appropriately authorised doctor in the loop. A psychologist assessment is often a strong option when the diagnostic picture is complex, when differential diagnosis needs careful consideration, or when documentation is needed for work or study.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?
The honest answer: it depends where you live, and the landscape is changing faster right now than at any point in my career. Historically, GPs referred patients for diagnosis and then managed their ongoing care once a specialist had confirmed the diagnosis. Several states are now expanding the role of specially trained GPs in ADHD assessment and prescribing, and reform is actively progressing elsewhere.
What has always been true is this: whoever makes the diagnosis, your GP ends up at the centre of your long-term care. ADHD intersects with everything a GP already manages, from sleep to mood, work, relationships and physical health. The assessment is one appointment. The relationship is the treatment.
Can a GP prescribe ADHD medication?
This depends on whether the diagnosis has already been made and who made it. In most Australian states, a GP can continue or manage a prescription initiated by a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Whether a GP can initiate that prescription independently varies by state and by the GP's own authorisation status.
If you already hold a formal diagnosis from a specialist, including a private one, a GP who has undertaken additional training as an ADHD Continuation Prescriber can take over ongoing medication management. If you are unsure whether your GP will accept a private ADHD diagnosis, it is worth asking them directly before you book an assessment elsewhere.
Telehealth and online ADHD diagnosis in Australia
Yes, you can get an ADHD diagnosis online in Australia. Telehealth assessment with a qualified clinician, using the same structured interviews and validated rating scales as an in-room assessment, is legitimate and increasingly common. Only the room changes.
However, I have met many patients who arrived holding a diagnosis made quickly somewhere else, who now need a doctor for everything that comes after: the dose adjustment at month eight, the side effects, the life changes. They did not need a better diagnosis. They needed someone to stay. When you compare providers, ask less about how fast they can diagnose you and more about who is still answering your calls a year later.
What an adult ADHD assessment actually involves
There is no blood test for ADHD. No scan, no swab. Diagnosis is a clinical judgement built from converging evidence. A thorough adult ADHD assessment involves several stages.
01
An in-depth clinical interview
Your current symptoms, work and relationship history, childhood patterns, previous diagnoses and treatment. Expect specific questions, not "do you struggle to focus" but "tell me about your tax returns, your inbox, your twenties".
02
Standardised diagnostic tools
Validated adult ADHD rating scales aligned with DSM-5 criteria, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA). These give the assessment objective structure rather than relying on impression alone.
03
Collateral information
Old school reports, prior assessments, an observer rating from someone who knows you well. Many adults are surprised how clearly their childhood records describe patterns they thought were new. That documented history strengthens the diagnostic picture.
04
Screening for co-occurring conditions
Anxiety, depression, OCD and learning difficulties frequently occur in adults with ADHD. They can mask it, mimic it, or sit alongside it. Untangling them is the actual skill of a good assessment. This differential diagnosis process is why a rigorous evaluation matters more than a fast one.
05
A written diagnostic report and letter
Suitable for your GP, employer, NDIS applications (where relevant) and treatment planning. You should leave with answers in writing, not just a verbal opinion.
How much does an ADHD diagnosis cost in Australia?
ADHD diagnosis cost in Australia varies considerably depending on which pathway you take.
Psychiatrist-led
$800 to $1,500+
Initial consult often $400 to $600 out of pocket after rebate, across more than one appointment.
Psychologist-led
$800 to $2,000
For a comprehensive report, depending on the depth of the evaluation.
GP-led, where available
More accessible
Tends to be lower cost and faster to access than specialist waitlists.
Telehealth
Varies widely
Some charge a flat fee, others bill per session. Confirm the full cost before you start.
Medicare rebates may apply to some components of your assessment depending on your referral pathway. A GP referral before you begin can improve your rebate eligibility, so it is worth a preliminary conversation with your doctor even if you plan to go private.
How long does it take to get diagnosed?
The assessment itself usually involves one or more appointments depending on the complexity of your case. The wait to start is the real variable: public pathways and many private psychiatrists carry long waitlists, while GP-led and telehealth services can be faster to access. Ask for a realistic expected timeframe at the point of enquiry, so you can plan accordingly.
What happens after diagnosis
A diagnosis is the starting point, not the destination. Treatment may include medication (where clinically appropriate), psychological therapies (such as CBT and executive functioning coaching), workplace and educational accommodations, and ongoing review. The first dose of any medication is a starting hypothesis, not a verdict. Adjustment across every stage of treatment is normal and expected.
One thing I tell patients because nobody warns them: a diagnosis at 38 often lands as two feelings at once. Relief, because thirty years of scattered evidence suddenly snaps into a single picture. And grief, for the versions of you that were told to just try harder. For those who suspected for years, there was at least time to rehearse the feeling. For those who never saw it coming, often mothers who are diagnosed in the wake of their child, the whole reckoning arrives at once, and it can take months to properly digest. Both feelings are normal. Neither needs to be rushed. And both are exactly why this is worth doing properly, with a clinician who stays.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia?
The standard pathway is to start with your GP, who can refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist with ADHD expertise, or you can book directly with a GP Endorsed Prescriber offering adult ADHD assessment. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation: structured interviews, validated rating scales, collateral history, and a written report. There is no blood test for ADHD. For adults in New South Wales, our ADHD diagnosis service in Sydney offers in-person private assessment.
Can I get diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?
Yes. Many adults were never assessed as children, or received a different diagnosis that never quite fit. Adult ADHD assessment covers the full DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, including how symptoms presented in childhood and how they affect your life now. There is no upper age limit for an ADHD diagnosis.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?
In most states, GPs refer patients to a psychiatrist or psychologist for formal diagnosis, but this is actively changing. Specially trained GPs in some states can now assess and diagnose ADHD directly, with reform progressing elsewhere. Whoever diagnoses you, your GP remains central to your ongoing care, medication management, and the dozens of other health conversations that come with a diagnosis.
Can a GP prescribe ADHD medication without a diagnosis?
No. A formal ADHD diagnosis must be in place before any clinician can prescribe stimulant medication. Once a diagnosis has been made, whether by a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or appropriately authorised GP, ongoing prescribing and dose management can often be handled by your regular GP in coordination with the diagnosing specialist.
Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?
In most cases, yes. A formal diagnostic report from a qualified psychiatrist, paediatrician, or psychologist should be accepted by your GP as the basis for ongoing care and, where eligible, medication management. If you are unsure, speak with your GP before booking an assessment elsewhere. The key is ensuring your assessment produces a comprehensive written report, not just a verbal result.
Can I get an ADHD diagnosis online in Australia?
Yes. Telehealth ADHD assessments with a qualified clinician use the same structured interviews and standardised rating scales as an in-clinic assessment. The diagnostic rigour is equivalent, only the room changes. Continuity of care after diagnosis matters just as much as the assessment itself.
What is the difference between ADHD screening and a full diagnosis?
An ADHD screening tool or online quiz can indicate whether further investigation is recommended. It is not a diagnosis. A formal diagnosis requires a clinical interview, validated tools, collateral information, and a written report from a qualified health professional.
How much does an adult ADHD assessment cost in Australia?
It varies significantly by pathway. A psychiatrist-led assessment typically costs $400 to $600 out of pocket for the initial consultation, with the full assessment often totalling $800 to $1,500 or more across multiple appointments. Psychologist assessments range broadly depending on depth. GP-led diagnosis services are often more accessible. A reputable provider will confirm the full cost in writing before your first appointment.
If you are ready for an answer
You have carried this question long enough.
If you are in Sydney, Dr Jas Saini at Rosedale Medical Practice will soon be providing comprehensive ADHD diagnosis in Sydney for adults aged 18 and over, with transparent pricing and continuity of care after the report is printed.
The assessment will either confirm what you have suspected or tell you what is actually going on. Both outcomes beat another year of wondering.
Dr Jas Saini is the Principal GP and owner of Rosedale Medical Practice in West Pennant Hills, Sydney. He is an RACGP GP Supervisor, holds an Honorary Clinical Lecturer appointment at Macquarie University, and is a former AMA NSW Councillor. AHPRA registration: MED0001669282.
If you live in Hornsby, Beecroft, Thornleigh, Wahroonga, Turramurra, or surrounding Upper North Shore suburbs and need ongoing ADHD medication, finding a local GP who is an authorised continuation prescriber can be challenging. Most patients don’t realise this service exists, or struggle to find a GP close to home who offers it.
Since September 2025, NSW has introduced reforms that allow specially trained GPs to continue prescribing ADHD medication for patients who have been diagnosed and stabilised by a psychiatrist or paediatrician. This means you no longer need to travel into the city or wait months for specialist appointments just to renew your medication.
For patients across Hornsby, the Upper North Shore, and the Hills District, Dr Jaspreet Saini at Rosedale Medical Practice in West Pennant Hills is an authorised ADHD continuation prescriber offering comprehensive ongoing care for both adults and children.
Why Finding a Local Continuation Prescriber Matters
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and your medication is working well, you shouldn’t need to keep seeing an expensive specialist every few months just to get your prescriptions renewed. Psychiatrist appointments in Sydney typically cost $400-$600 per visit, with limited Medicare rebates, and wait times often stretch to several months.
ADHD continuation prescribing through a local GP solves this problem. Once your condition is stable, your GP can take over your ongoing medication management, providing:
Regular prescription renewals without long specialist wait times
Monitoring of your medication’s effectiveness and any side effects
Minor dose adjustments when clinically appropriate
Coordination with your original diagnosing specialist when needed
Integration of your ADHD care with your overall health management
The challenge for Hornsby and Upper North Shore residents: While over 800 GPs across NSW have completed continuation prescriber training, they’re not evenly distributed. Many suburbs have no local continuation prescribers, forcing patients to travel significant distances or continue with costly specialist care.
What ADHD Continuation Prescribing Actually Means
ADHD continuation prescribing is a formal NSW Health pathway that allows qualified GPs to prescribe psychostimulant medications (dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine/Vyvanse, methylphenidate/Ritalin/Concerta) for patients who meet specific criteria.
This is different from co-management, where both your GP and specialist remain actively involved. Under continuation prescribing, your GP becomes your primary prescriber for ADHD medication, with the understanding that they will refer you back to a specialist if your condition becomes unstable or requires expertise beyond their scope.
What Continuation Prescribers Can Do:
✓ Continue prescribing your current ADHD medication at your established dose
✓ Make minor dose adjustments within safe parameters
✓ Monitor your physical health (blood pressure, heart rate, weight)
✓ Assess how well your medication is working and identify side effects
✓ Coordinate with your psychiatrist or paediatrician when needed
How to Know If You Qualify for Continuation Prescribing
To transfer your ADHD medication management to a continuation prescriber like Dr Saini, you need to meet these criteria:
You Have a Confirmed ADHD Diagnosis
Your ADHD must have been diagnosed by a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or neurologist. You’ll need documentation of this diagnosis—typically a diagnostic report or letter from the specialist who assessed you.
You Are Stable on Your Current Medication
Stability generally means you’ve been on the same medication and dose for at least six months, you’re responding well to treatment, and you’re not experiencing significant side effects or complications that require specialist intervention.
You Are Taking a Psychostimulant Medication
Continuation prescribing applies to Schedule 8 psychostimulant medications: dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), or methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). Non-stimulant ADHD medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine don’t require the same specialist oversight and can generally be prescribed by any GP.
You Are Aged 6 Years or Older
The continuation prescribing pathway is available for both children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD and meet the stability criteria.
Important: If you need a new ADHD diagnosis, medication initiation, or a significant change to your treatment (switching medications, large dose increases), you’ll still need to see a specialist first. Continuation prescribers focus on ongoing care for patients whose treatment is already working well.
ADHD Continuation Prescribing at Rosedale Medical Practice
Dr Jaspreet Saini is an authorised ADHD continuation prescriber serving patients across the Hills District, Hornsby, and Upper North Shore. Located in West Pennant Hills, Rosedale Medical Practice is centrally accessible for residents throughout this region.
Dr Saini built Rosedale’s ADHD continuation model after identifying a significant gap in local care: patients who had finally received their ADHD diagnosis from a psychiatrist or paediatrician, found medication that worked, and then had no clear path to safe, local, long-term GP care.
What Dr Saini Provides
Comprehensive initial assessment and documentation review. Dr Saini ensures all continuation prescribing criteria are met before taking over prescribing responsibility, verifying your diagnosis, current treatment, and stability.
Ongoing prescription of psychostimulant medications. This includes dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) for patients stable on these treatments.
Regular monitoring and review appointments. Dr Saini provides the clinical oversight required to ensure your medication remains safe and effective, including physical health monitoring, side effect assessment, and functional review.
Minor dose adjustments when clinically appropriate. If your symptoms aren’t fully controlled or you’re experiencing side effects, Dr Saini can make dose changes within safe parameters without needing to send you back to a specialist.
Coordination with specialists when needed. If your condition becomes unstable, you need a medication switch, or there are complications beyond the scope of GP management, Dr Saini will coordinate with psychiatrists or paediatricians to ensure you receive appropriate specialist input.
Integration with your overall health care. Because Dr Saini is your GP, your ADHD medication management is coordinated with all your other health needs—not treated in isolation by a specialist who doesn’t know the rest of your medical picture.
Serving Hornsby, Upper North Shore, and Hills District Patients
Rosedale Medical Practice is located at 70 Castle Hill Road in West Pennant Hills, making it highly accessible for patients across a wide geographic area:
Approximate Travel Times to Rosedale Medical Practice
From Suburb
Approximate Drive Time
Hornsby
10-12 minutes via Pennant Hills Road
Thornleigh
8-10 minutes via Pennant Hills Road
Beecroft
6-8 minutes via Beecroft Road
Pennant Hills
5-7 minutes via Pennant Hills Road
Cherrybrook
8-10 minutes via New Line Road
Castle Hill
10-12 minutes via Castle Hill Road
Wahroonga
12-15 minutes via Pennant Hills Road
Turramurra
15-18 minutes via Kissing Point Road
Pymble
18-20 minutes via Pennant Hills Road
Free parking is available at the practice, and appointment times are designed to accommodate working professionals and families with school-aged children.
For Upper North Shore residents who work in the Hills District (or vice versa), Rosedale’s location makes it convenient to schedule ADHD appointments during your commute or close to your workplace.
What to Bring to Your First Continuation Prescribing Appointment
To ensure your first appointment with Dr Saini can proceed smoothly and efficiently, bring the following documentation:
Essential Documents Checklist:
✓ Diagnostic letter or report from your psychiatrist/paediatrician clearly stating your ADHD diagnosis
✓ Current medication details including name, strength, dose, and how long you’ve been on this regimen
✓ Stability confirmation from your specialist (letter confirming you are stable and suitable for GP continuation prescribing)
✓ Recent prescription history (recent scripts, pharmacy records, or MyGov medication history)
✓ Medicare card and photo ID
✓ Any relevant medical history (other health conditions, medications, allergies)
If you don’t have all of these documents immediately available, contact your specialist’s office 1-2 weeks before your appointment to request the necessary letters and reports. Most specialists are familiar with the continuation prescriber pathway and can provide this documentation promptly.
The Difference Between Continuation Prescribing and Diagnosis
It’s important to understand that ADHD continuation prescribing is for patients who already have a diagnosis and are stable on treatment. If you suspect you have ADHD but haven’t been formally diagnosed yet, you’ll need to follow a different pathway.
Dr Saini is currently completing endorsed prescriber training, which will allow him to diagnose ADHD and initiate medication directly. This qualification is expected by mid-to-late 2026. Until then, patients seeking a new ADHD diagnosis can be referred to trusted private psychiatrists through a streamlined assessment pathway coordinated by Rosedale Medical Practice.
For patients who already have an ADHD diagnosis and need ongoing medication management, Dr Saini can begin continuation prescribing immediately.
Why Hornsby and Upper North Shore Patients Choose Rosedale
While there are some continuation prescribers scattered across the Hornsby and Upper North Shore region, many patients find that Rosedale Medical Practice offers distinct advantages:
Accessibility and convenience. West Pennant Hills is centrally located with easy access from Hornsby, Beecroft, Thornleigh, and surrounding suburbs. Free parking and flexible appointment times make it practical for busy families and working professionals.
Comprehensive, ongoing care. Your ADHD management is integrated with your overall health care, not treated as an isolated prescription service. Dr Saini knows your complete medical picture and can coordinate care across all your health needs.
Experience and expertise. Dr Saini has a specific clinical interest in ADHD and has built Rosedale’s ADHD service with the infrastructure and protocols needed to provide high-quality, consistent care.
Long-term relationship. Continuation prescribing works best when you see the same GP consistently over time. Rosedale is designed for continuity of care, not transactional appointments with whoever is available.
How to Book Your ADHD Continuation Prescribing Appointment
If you’re ready to transfer your ADHD medication management to Dr Saini at Rosedale Medical Practice, the booking process is straightforward:
Call the practice directly on (02) 9680 9644 and let the reception team know you’re seeking ADHD continuation prescribing. They’ll schedule an initial consultation with adequate time allocated for your assessment and documentation review.
Prepare your documentation using the checklist provided earlier in this article. Having everything ready before your appointment ensures Dr Saini can issue your prescription without delay.
Plan for your first appointment to be longer than a standard consultation. Dr Saini needs time to review your diagnostic documentation, understand your medication history, and complete the necessary assessments to establish continuation prescribing safely.
For patients who already have an ADHD diagnosis: Dr Saini can begin continuation prescribing immediately. For patients seeking a new diagnosis: Dr Saini can coordinate a streamlined assessment pathway with trusted specialists, with most patients reaching diagnosis within 4-8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Continuation Prescribing in Hornsby and Upper North Shore
Can I transfer to Dr Saini if my specialist is located outside NSW?
Yes. As long as you have a confirmed ADHD diagnosis from a qualified specialist (psychiatrist, paediatrician, or neurologist) and documentation confirming you’re stable on your current medication, Dr Saini can take over your continuation prescribing even if your original specialist is interstate.
Will I still need to see my psychiatrist or paediatrician?
Not for routine medication renewals. Once you’ve transferred to continuation prescribing with Dr Saini, he becomes your primary prescriber for ADHD medication. However, if your condition becomes unstable, you need a significant medication change, or complications arise, Dr Saini will refer you back to a specialist for that specific intervention.
How often will I need to see Dr Saini for ADHD appointments?
Most patients see their continuation prescriber every 3-6 months for monitoring and prescription renewals. Dr Saini will establish a review schedule appropriate for your individual circumstances, considering factors like how long you’ve been on stable medication and whether you have any complicating health factors.
Is continuation prescribing covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates are available for GP consultations for ADHD continuation prescribing. The total fee for an initial ADHD Consultation is $285 (out of pocket expense of approximately $200).
What if I need my medication dose adjusted?
Dr Saini can make minor dose adjustments within safe parameters as part of continuation prescribing. If you need a more significant change, such as switching to a different ADHD medication or making large dose increases, he will coordinate with a specialist to ensure this is managed appropriately.
Can Dr Saini prescribe ADHD medication for my child?
Yes. ADHD continuation prescribing is available for patients aged 6 years and older, including children and adolescents. Your child must have an existing diagnosis from a paediatrician or psychiatrist and be stable on their current medication.
Find Local ADHD Continuation Prescribing in Hornsby and Upper North Shore
Stop traveling long distances or waiting months for specialist appointments just to renew your ADHD medication. Dr Jaspreet Saini at Rosedale Medical Practice offers authorised continuation prescribing close to home.
Every patient who comes to Rosedale this flu season receives their vaccine at no cost. Here is how it works:
Rosedale Funded – Free
Private Flu Vaccine
Rosedale is covering the full cost of the private flu vaccine for patients who are not eligible for the government-funded vaccine.
Who is this for:
+Children and Adults aged 5 to under 65 without a chronic condition
+ Fully funded by Rosedale – you pay nothing
Government Funded – Free
NIP Flu Vaccine
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides a free flu vaccine to eligible patients every year.
Who is eligible:
+ Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
+ Adults aged 65 and over
+ Pregnant women
+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
+ People with certain chronic medical conditions
Not sure which applies to you? Don’t worry – our team will confirm everything when you arrive. All you need to do is book.
Why Get Vaccinated This Year
Influenza is not just a bad cold. It can cause serious illness, hospitalisation and complications – particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions. Even healthy adults can be significantly affected.
The flu vaccine is updated every year to match the strains expected to circulate that season. Getting vaccinated protects you, your family and those around you who may be more vulnerable.
The best time to get vaccinated is now – before flu season peaks. Stock has arrived at Rosedale and appointments are available this week.
New to Rosedale? You Are Very Welcome.
This offer is open to everyone – new and existing patients alike. If you have been looking for a local GP practice in the Hills District, Hornsby or Upper North Shore, your flu vaccine appointment is a great opportunity to meet our team and see what we are about.
Rosedale Medical Practice is a multidisciplinary practice in West Pennant Hills with GPs, nurses, a practice pharmacist, dietitian and on-site specialists including a cardiologist, gastroenterologist and respiratory physician. We are a practice that takes continuity of care seriously – which means if you like what you find, we would love to be your regular GP practice.
“A practice that sees all of you – not just the reason you came in.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an existing patient?
No. This offer is open to new and existing patients. Everyone is welcome.
Is there really no cost at all?
No cost for the vaccine itself. If you choose to see a GP for a separate consultation on the same visit, standard consultation fees apply. The vaccine appointment itself is free.
Can my whole family come?
Yes. Please book a separate appointment for each family member. Children aged 6 months and over can be vaccinated.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
No special preparation needed. Wear a top that allows easy access to your upper arm. Arrive a few minutes early to complete a brief health check form. Plan to wait 15 minutes after your vaccine before leaving.
I have a chronic condition – which vaccine do I get?
Many people with chronic conditions are eligible for the government-funded vaccine. Our team will confirm your eligibility when you arrive. Either way, your vaccine is free.
Where are you located?
Rosedale Medical Practice is located in West Pennant Hills, serving patients from across the Hills District, Hornsby and Upper North Shore including Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, Beecroft, Hornsby, Waitara, Gordon, Killara, Pymble and Turramurra.
Stock Is Here. Book Now.
Flu season waits for no one. Vaccine stock has arrived at Rosedale and appointments are available now. Book for yourself, your partner, your children, your parents – the whole household.
Principal GP – Rosedale Medical Practice, West Pennant Hills
Mar 2026
Key Takeaways
+ NSW’s new endorsed prescriber pathway means GPs with specialist training can now diagnose and initiate ADHD treatment – without a referral to a psychiatrist.
+ Dr Saini is currently completing endorsed prescriber training and expects to offer ADHD assessments for children aged 6 and over, and adults, from mid-2026.
+ This will be one of the first GP-led ADHD diagnostic services in the Hills District, Hornsby and Upper North Shore.
+ A thorough assessment – not a checklist – will be the standard. Children, teenagers and adults all assessed.
+ Call us now to register your interest and be among the first contacted when bookings open.
If you have been waiting months – or years – for an ADHD assessment for yourself or your child, the landscape in the Hills District is about to change. For the first time, a local GP with specialist ADHD training will be able to assess, diagnose and initiate treatment right here in West Pennant Hills. No referral to a psychiatrist. No travelling to the city. No 18-month waitlist.
What Is Changing in NSW
Until recently, getting a formal ADHD diagnosis in NSW required a referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Waiting times of 12 to 18 months were common. Costs ran into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. For many families across the Hills District, Hornsby and Upper North Shore, that meant children falling further behind at school while waiting, and adults continuing to struggle without answers.
NSW’s ADHD reforms have changed this. A new endorsed prescriber pathway now allows GPs who have completed specialist ADHD training to diagnose ADHD and initiate treatment – including medication – in a general practice setting. This is a significant shift, and it is exactly the pathway Dr Saini is currently completing.
Coming mid-2026: Dr Saini expects to complete his endorsed prescriber training and begin offering ADHD assessments at Rosedale Medical Practice from approximately mid-2026. Call us now to register your interest.
Who Can Be Assessed
Dr Saini will offer ADHD assessments for:
+ Children aged 6 and over
+ Teenagers and young adults
+ Adults of all ages, including those who were never assessed as children
This service will be particularly valuable for families across West Pennant Hills, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, Beecroft, Hornsby, Waitara, Gordon, Killara, Pymble, Turramurra and surrounding suburbs – areas that have historically had limited access to local ADHD diagnostic services.
What a GP-Led ADHD Assessment Involves
A proper ADHD assessment is not a 10-minute questionnaire. It is a thorough clinical process that looks at the whole person – their history, their functioning across different settings, and any other conditions that might be contributing to what they are experiencing.
For children, assessment typically involves:
+ A detailed clinical interview with parents or caregivers
+ Information from school – teacher observations and reports
+ Standardised rating scales completed by parents and teachers
+ Review of developmental and medical history
+ Consideration of other conditions that can look like ADHD
For adults, assessment typically involves:
+ A detailed clinical interview covering childhood history and current functioning
+ Exploration of how symptoms present at work, at home and in relationships
+ Review of mental health history including anxiety, depression and sleep
+ Consideration of overlapping conditions and other medical explanations
+ An honest clinical conversation about whether ADHD fits and what the options are
“ADHD is present from childhood – even when it was never identified. A thorough assessment looks at the whole picture, not just the last six months.”
Why a Local GP Makes a Difference
Seeing a GP you already know – someone who understands your family’s medical history and your broader health picture – is a fundamentally different experience to attending a specialist clinic you have never been to before.
For children, it means assessment in a familiar, lower-anxiety environment. For adults, it means a clinician who can look at ADHD alongside everything else – anxiety, sleep, hormonal health, chronic conditions – rather than in isolation.
And after diagnosis, ongoing care stays in the same place. No handoff back to a GP who was not part of the assessment. Continuity from diagnosis through to long-term management.
What Happens After a Diagnosis
A diagnosis opens the door to real, targeted support. For most people, this involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual:
+ Medication where appropriate – PBS-subsidised stimulant medications at standard GP prescription costs
+ School support plans and documentation for children needing adjustments
+ Referrals to psychologists, occupational therapists and other allied health where needed
+ Ongoing monitoring and review with a GP who knows your history
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Dr Saini be able to see patients for ADHD assessments?
Dr Saini is currently completing his endorsed prescriber training and expects to begin offering ADHD assessments from approximately mid-2026. Call us on 02 9680 9644 to register your interest and be contacted as soon as bookings open.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Saini for an ADHD assessment?
No. One of the key benefits of the GP endorsed prescriber pathway is that patients do not need a specialist referral. You can book directly with Rosedale Medical Practice.
What age can children be assessed from?
Dr Saini will assess children from age 6 and above, as well as teenagers and adults of all ages.
How is this different from seeing a psychiatrist?
The clinical assessment process is thorough and meets the same standards. The key differences are accessibility, cost and continuity. No long waitlist, standard GP fees rather than specialist rates, and ongoing care with a doctor who already knows you.
I already have a diagnosis. Can I also see Dr Saini for ongoing prescriptions?
Yes. Dr Saini currently offers ADHD continuation prescribing for patients who already have a formal diagnosis and are established on medication. You do not need to wait – call us now to book.
Which areas do you service?
Rosedale Medical Practice is located in West Pennant Hills and sees patients from across the Hills District, Hornsby and Upper North Shore including Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Pennant Hills, Beecroft, Hornsby, Waitara, Gordon, Killara, Pymble and Turramurra.
The Wait for Local ADHD Diagnosis Is Almost Over
For too long, families across the Hills District and Hornsby have had to choose between long waits, high costs, and travelling to specialist services far from home. The NSW reforms and the GP endorsed prescriber pathway are changing that – and Rosedale Medical Practice will be at the front of it locally.
If you have been waiting for answers for yourself or your child, call us now to register your interest. We will contact you as soon as Dr Saini’s assessment bookings open.
Dr Saini is the Principal GP and Practice Owner at Rosedale Medical Practice in West Pennant Hills. He is currently completing his ADHD endorsed prescriber training and will offer comprehensive ADHD assessments for children aged 6 and over and adults from mid-2026. He currently offers ADHD continuation prescribing under the NSW GP reforms.
ADHD GP Continuation Prescriber – West Pennant Hills
Mar 2026
Key Takeaways
+ Oestrogen supports dopamine activity in the brain – the same system affected in ADHD.
+ As oestrogen falls during perimenopause, ADHD symptoms often worsen significantly – even in women previously well managed on medication.
+ Many women receive their first ADHD diagnosis during perimenopause, when lifelong coping strategies finally stop working.
+ Brain fog and memory lapses during menopause may not be menopause alone – ADHD could be a significant contributing factor.
+ Already diagnosed? A GP continuation prescriber can manage your ongoing medication and help you navigate this transition.
Your ADHD medication worked for years. Your systems held. Then somewhere in your early to mid forties, something shifted. The brain fog arrived. The emotional regulation you had worked so hard to build started slipping. You wondered if it was ageing, or stress, or menopause. It might be all three. But there is a specific biological reason why ADHD and perimenopause collide so hard – and understanding it changes everything.
The Short Version
Oestrogen and dopamine are deeply connected. Oestrogen stimulates dopamine production, slows its breakdown, and enhances the brain’s sensitivity to it. ADHD involves dysregulation of the dopamine system. So when oestrogen drops during perimenopause, women with ADHD face a double impact – the hormonal changes that affect every woman, compounded by an existing vulnerability in the very system oestrogen was supporting.
This is not a theory. It is increasingly well supported by research, and it explains a pattern that GPs and psychiatrists are seeing more often: women in their 40s and 50s whose ADHD – diagnosed or not – becomes dramatically harder to manage.
The Oestrogen-Dopamine Connection Explained
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter most associated with ADHD. It plays a central role in attention, motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation. In ADHD, the dopamine system does not function in the same way as in neurotypical brains – not necessarily because there is less dopamine, but because how it is produced, transported and used is different.
Oestrogen acts on this system in several important ways. Research shows that oestrogen stimulates dopamine production, reduces its breakdown and reuptake, and enhances the sensitivity of dopamine receptors. In practical terms, higher oestrogen means a more responsive dopamine system – better focus, clearer thinking, more stable moods.
Oestrogen modulates dopamine – its synthesis, maintenance and the inhibition of its degradation. When oestrogen falls, the dopamine system loses a significant source of support.
For women without ADHD, this shift during perimenopause contributes to the brain fog, memory lapses and mood changes that many experience. For women with ADHD, who already have a dopamine system that works differently, the effect can be considerably more pronounced.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Women with ADHD entering perimenopause often describe a distinct and distressing shift. Symptoms that were previously manageable – with or without medication – can become significantly worse. Common experiences include:
+ Concentration deteriorating noticeably, even mid-sentence
+ Memory lapses that feel alarming – forgetting words, losing the thread of conversations
+ Emotional dysregulation becoming harder to manage – bigger reactions, quicker to overwhelm
+ ADHD medication feeling less effective than it used to
+ A sense of losing cognitive ground that feels out of proportion to normal ageing
Important: These symptoms overlap significantly with menopause itself, with anxiety, with depression, and with other conditions. This is exactly why a careful clinical assessment matters – to understand what is driving what, and what treatment approach makes most sense for you.
Why Your Medication May Feel Like It Has Stopped Working
One of the most disorienting experiences for women with ADHD in perimenopause is finding that medication they relied on for years no longer seems to work as well. This is not in their heads.
Oestrogen amplifies the brain’s sensitivity to stimulant medications. As oestrogen declines, this amplifying effect diminishes. A dose that was well calibrated at 38 may genuinely be insufficient at 46 – not because of tolerance, but because the hormonal environment that supported its effectiveness has changed.
Additionally, progesterone – which rises and falls erratically during perimenopause – can counteract dopamine activity and reduce the effectiveness of stimulant medications. The result is a shifting hormonal landscape that affects how ADHD medication works from week to week.
If your ADHD medication feels less effective during perimenopause, this is worth raising with your GP. Medication dose or timing may need review – and HRT may also be part of the conversation.
When Perimenopause Triggers a First ADHD Diagnosis
For a significant number of women, perimenopause is the point at which undiagnosed ADHD finally becomes impossible to overlook. They coped for decades with systems and sheer effort. Then the hormonal support that was quietly helping their dopamine system starts to withdraw, and everything unravels.
These women are often told they are simply experiencing menopause. The brain fog, the emotional volatility, the inability to concentrate are attributed entirely to declining hormones. And while that may be partly true, it misses the underlying ADHD that oestrogen was partially compensating for all along.
If you are in perimenopause and experiencing cognitive symptoms that feel disproportionate – more than you would expect from menopause alone, or symptoms that persist even when other menopause treatments are in place – it is worth exploring whether ADHD is part of the picture.
Does HRT Help ADHD Symptoms?
This is one of the most common questions women ask when they understand the oestrogen-dopamine connection. The short answer is: possibly, and it is an active area of clinical interest.
By restoring oestrogen levels, HRT may help stabilise the dopamine environment and potentially improve the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Some women report meaningful improvement in cognitive symptoms with HRT. However the research specifically in women with ADHD is still limited, and HRT is not appropriate for everyone.
What is clear is that managing ADHD during perimenopause and menopause requires looking at the whole picture – hormonal health, sleep, medication calibration, and mental health – rather than treating each in isolation.
Please note: Dr Saini offers ADHD continuation prescribing for patients who already have a formal diagnosis and are established on medication. If you are also navigating perimenopause, he can look at the broader picture alongside your ADHD care. If you are seeking an initial ADHD assessment, your GP can refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can menopause cause ADHD?
No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition present from childhood. However, the hormonal changes of perimenopause can unmask or dramatically worsen ADHD symptoms that were previously compensated for – making it appear as though ADHD has arrived for the first time.
How do I know if it is menopause or ADHD?
Often it is both, interacting with each other. Key indicators that ADHD may be contributing include a lifelong history of difficulty with focus, organisation or emotional regulation – not just symptoms that appeared with menopause. A thorough clinical assessment can help untangle this.
Why does my ADHD medication feel less effective now?
Declining oestrogen reduces the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine and may reduce the effectiveness of stimulant medications. This is a recognised phenomenon and worth discussing with your GP – medication dose or timing may need to be reviewed.
Will HRT improve my ADHD symptoms?
Some women report that HRT improves cognitive symptoms and may enhance the effectiveness of ADHD medication, but research specifically in women with ADHD is still emerging. HRT is not right for everyone and should be discussed with your GP in the context of your full health picture.
I was never diagnosed with ADHD. Could perimenopause be revealing it?
Yes, this is increasingly recognised. If you have a lifelong pattern of difficulty with focus, organisation or emotional regulation, and perimenopause has made things significantly worse, it is worth raising with your GP and seeking a formal assessment.
You Are Not Losing Your Mind. You Are Losing Oestrogen.
The cognitive changes of perimenopause are real and they are biological. For women with ADHD, they are often more severe, more disorienting, and more resistant to standard menopause advice. Understanding the oestrogen-dopamine connection is the first step toward getting the right support.
If you are already diagnosed with ADHD and finding that your medication or your coping strategies are no longer holding through perimenopause, a conversation with a GP who understands both is the right next step.
Dr Saini practices at Rosedale Medical Practice in West Pennant Hills with a special clinical interest in ADHD in adults, including the intersection of ADHD with menopause and hormonal health. He offers ADHD continuation prescribing under the NSW GP reforms.
ADHD GP Continuation Prescriber · West Pennant Hills
Feb 2026
Key Takeaways
✓ Many capable adults have ADHD that was never identified – because they didn’t match the stereotype.
✓ High achievement, strong coping strategies and an ordinary childhood do not rule out ADHD.
✓ Symptoms often become harder to manage during major life transitions or hormonal changes.
✓ ADHD is not just a concentration problem – it affects organisation, emotional regulation and decision-making.
✓ Already diagnosed? A GP continuation prescriber can manage your ongoing medication without specialist visits.
You have always found a way to get things done. Lists, systems, sheer willpower. From the outside, life looks fine. But privately, ordinary tasks take more out of you than they seem to for other people – and you have never quite understood why.
When “Burnout” Doesn’t Fully Explain How You Feel
Many adults seek help believing something has recently changed. They describe feeling more overwhelmed than they used to be, slower to start tasks, mentally exhausted by ordinary responsibilities, and unable to concentrate despite strong motivation.
Often they assume it is stress. Or ageing. Or simply the cumulative weight of adult life. In general practice, however, an increasingly common conversation is emerging. For some people, the explanation is not burnout. It is ADHD – present all along, and only now becoming impossible to compensate for.
The Adults You Would Not Expect
Adult ADHD is frequently missed because many individuals do not match outdated stereotypes. They were not disruptive at school. They may have achieved strong academic results. They built careers, businesses, and families. From the outside, life appears stable.
“Inside, the experience is often different. The effort required to appear on top of things is invisible to everyone except the person making it.”
Patients describe rereading emails multiple times before sending, relying heavily on lists and reminders, needing extreme effort to stay organised, and feeling constantly behind despite working hard. Many developed sophisticated systems to compensate. Those systems can work for years – until life becomes more complex.
When Coping Strategies Stop Working
A common pattern is that difficulties become more visible during major transitions. Becoming a parent. Stepping into a leadership role. Returning to work after time away. Navigating perimenopause or other hormonal shifts. Prolonged periods of stress or disrupted sleep.
Tasks that once felt manageable begin to feel heavy. Simple decisions require disproportionate effort. People may sit in front of a task they genuinely care about and feel completely unable to begin.
Some worry about early cognitive decline. Others assume they are simply failing to cope. In some cases, careful assessment reveals a lifelong pattern of attention regulation differences that were previously masked by effort and structure.
The Quiet Question Many Adults Carry
There is often a question patients hesitate to voice: “Why does everything seem harder for me than it does for other people?”
Over time, many internalise labels – disorganised, overly sensitive, scattered, perfectionistic, intense. They may genuinely believe they simply lack discipline. Understanding ADHD does not remove personal responsibility. But it can change the narrative from personal failure to neurological difference. For many, that shift is profound.
High Achievement and ADHD
Adult ADHD does not mean a person lacks intelligence or ambition. Many individuals diagnosed later in life are highly capable professionals who thrive in creative roles, fast-paced environments, and high-pressure situations. Some describe periods of intense, immersive focus – particularly when deadlines are involved.
However, success often comes at a cost. Late nights catching up. Chronic anxiety about forgetting something important. Constant mental noise. Treatment does not aim to change personality. It aims to reduce the unnecessary friction that surrounds daily functioning.
The Role of Hormones, Stress and Brain Chemistry
Attention regulation is influenced by sleep, stress and neurochemistry. Periods of hormonal change – particularly during postpartum recovery or perimenopause – may make existing vulnerabilities more noticeable. When life demands increase, previously manageable difficulties can feel amplified.
This does not mean every experience of burnout is ADHD. It does mean that persistent patterns deserve thoughtful assessment rather than self-blame.
The Emotional Experience of Understanding
For many adults, exploring ADHD is an emotional process. Some feel relief. Others feel grief for years spent trying harder than everyone else seemed to need to. Patients often say: “I thought I just needed to be more disciplined.”
Understanding how executive function works can introduce genuine self-compassion. It can also create practical pathways for change that were never available before.
Already Diagnosed? Here’s How Ongoing Care Works
If you already have a formal ADHD diagnosis, you don’t need to keep returning to a specialist just to renew your prescriptions. Under NSW’s GP reforms introduced in September 2025, trained GP continuation prescribers can now manage your ongoing ADHD medication – saving you time, money and the frustration of specialist waitlists.
Good ongoing care for adult ADHD typically includes:
✓ Regular review of how your medication is working and any side effects
✓ Monitoring of physical health factors including cardiovascular health and sleep
✓ Coordination with other aspects of your health – anxiety, hormonal care, chronic conditions
✓ A GP who understands your broader history and can support you over time
Please note: Dr Saini currently offers ADHD continuation prescribing for patients who already have a formal diagnosis and are established on medication. If you are seeking an initial assessment, your GP can refer you to an appropriate specialist or endorsed GP prescriber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD really be missed all through childhood?
Yes. Many adults were never assessed earlier because symptoms presented differently, were masked by coping strategies, or were attributed to personality traits or anxiety.
Why do symptoms sometimes worsen in midlife?
Increased responsibility, chronic stress, and hormonal change can make attention regulation difficulties harder to compensate for. What was manageable at 25 may feel overwhelming at 45.
Is ADHD only about concentration?
No. Many adults primarily struggle with organisation, time management, emotional regulation, decision fatigue, and initiating tasks – not just staying focused.
Can successful professionals have ADHD?
Yes. High achievement does not exclude underlying attention regulation differences. Many high-functioning adults with ADHD have simply learned to compensate at significant personal cost.
Do I need to keep seeing a specialist for my prescriptions?
Not necessarily. Under NSW’s 2025 GP reforms, trained continuation prescribers can manage ongoing ADHD prescriptions in general practice for patients who are already diagnosed and stable.
You Were Never Broken. You Just Needed the Right Explanation.
For some adults, understanding ADHD is not about productivity. It is about understanding why life has required so much more effort than it seemed to for everyone else. With the right support, many people rediscover clarity, energy and confidence.
If you already have a diagnosis and are looking for a GP who understands adult ADHD – one who can manage your prescriptions and look at the whole picture over time – that is exactly what we offer at Rosedale. You don’t need to keep navigating the specialist system for ongoing care.
Dr Saini practices at Rosedale Medical Practice in West Pennant Hills and has a special clinical interest in ADHD care for adults. He offers ADHD continuation prescribing under the NSW GP reforms, providing ongoing prescription management for adults already diagnosed with ADHD.
