If you've been waiting months for an ADHD assessment, you're not alone. But here's some encouraging news: significant changes in 2025 are making ADHD diagnoses faster and more accessible than ever before. The question many families are asking is whether their GP can now diagnose ADHD directly, and the answer depends on where you live and what reforms have been implemented in your area.

Let's explore what's actually changed this year and how it might impact your family's journey to getting the support you need.

The Diagnostic Criteria Revolution

The foundation for faster ADHD assessments started with updated diagnostic criteria that have made the process more inclusive and realistic. The DSM-5 changes raised the age requirement for symptom onset from 7 to 12 years old, recognizing that many people don't receive proper attention until later in childhood. More importantly for adults, the number of required symptoms decreased from 6 to 5, acknowledging that adult presentations can be more subtle.

ADHD is now classified as a neurodevelopmental condition rather than a disruptive behavior disorder, with symptoms categorized as severe, moderate, or mild. This shift has opened pathways for more people to access diagnosis and treatment, particularly adults who may have been overlooked under the previous, more restrictive criteria.

These changes mean that healthcare providers can now identify ADHD in individuals who previously wouldn't have met the diagnostic threshold, leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Can Your GP Actually Diagnose ADHD Now?

The answer varies significantly depending on your location. In New Zealand, a major breakthrough is coming in February 2026, when GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD directly. This represents a fundamental shift in how ADHD care is delivered.

In Australia, reforms are happening at different speeds across states. The NSW Government announced significant changes to expand the GP role in ADHD care, recognizing general practitioners as key players in improving access to diagnosis and treatment. However, the implementation timeline varies by region.

Currently, most Australian GPs can:

• Conduct initial screenings
• Refer to specialists for formal diagnosis
• Provide ongoing medication management after specialist diagnosis
• Support families through the assessment process

The trend is clearly moving toward greater GP involvement, but full diagnostic authority remains limited in most areas for now.

Digital Assessment Tools: The Game Changer

Perhaps the most significant factor accelerating ADHD diagnosis in 2025 is the widespread adoption of digital assessment tools. These objective measurement systems complement traditional clinical interviews and provide healthcare providers with concrete data to support their clinical judgment.

The UK's National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published groundbreaking guidelines in 2024 that specifically recommend incorporating objective testing: such as computerized attention tests: as part of the diagnostic process for children and young people aged 6-17. These tools measure attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity through standardized tasks, providing clinicians with objective data alongside clinical observation.

Benefits of digital assessment tools include:

• Reduced diagnostic variability between clinicians
• More confident clinical decisions
• Faster processing times
• Increased patient trust in the diagnostic process
• Better treatment compliance rates

Research shows that when patients understand their diagnosis through objective testing, they're more likely to follow through with recommended treatments, creating a more streamlined path from diagnosis to effective management.

Streamlined National Guidelines

Clinical guidance has become more standardized across the board. The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) published comprehensive guidelines for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment, while Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare released significant ADHD guidelines in 2024.

This shift toward established frameworks means clinicians have clearer benchmarks for assessment, reducing diagnostic delays caused by uncertainty or variability in approach. When healthcare providers follow consistent guidelines, the entire process becomes more efficient.

What This Means for Your Family

These changes translate to real benefits for families seeking ADHD support:

Shorter Wait Times: Digital tools and expanded provider roles mean less bottlenecking at specialist level, reducing the months-long waits many families experience.

More Accessible Care: With GPs playing a larger role in assessment and ongoing care, families can access support closer to home without traveling to specialized centers.

Better Accuracy: Objective testing reduces the risk of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, ensuring people get appropriate support faster.

Clearer Pathways: Standardized guidelines mean families know what to expect from the assessment process, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

Accessing Faster Assessments in Your Area

If you're wondering whether you or your child might have ADHD, here's how to navigate the current system:

Start with Your GP: Even if they can't provide a formal diagnosis yet, your GP can conduct initial screenings, discuss symptoms, and determine the most appropriate referral pathway for your situation.

Ask About Digital Testing: Inquire whether your healthcare provider uses objective assessment tools. Many clinics are now incorporating these technologies to speed up and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Consider Private Options: While public wait times can be lengthy, private clinics often have shorter waiting lists and may offer the latest assessment technologies.

Stay Informed About Local Changes: Reforms are rolling out at different speeds across different regions. What's available in your area may change significantly over the coming months.

At Inspire Health and Medical, our experienced team stays up-to-date with the latest assessment technologies and diagnostic approaches. We understand that waiting for answers can be frustrating, and we're committed to providing timely, comprehensive assessments that give you the clarity you need.

The Future of ADHD Assessment

Looking ahead, the trajectory is clear: ADHD assessment is becoming faster, more accessible, and more accurate. The combination of updated diagnostic criteria, expanded healthcare provider roles, digital assessment tools, and standardized guidelines is creating an environment where more people can access the support they need without lengthy delays.

For families who have been waiting for answers, these changes represent real hope. While implementation varies by location, the overall trend is toward a more streamlined, efficient system that recognizes ADHD as the common neurodevelopmental condition it is.

The key is to stay informed about what's available in your area and work with healthcare providers who understand these evolving systems. Whether you're seeking assessment for yourself or your child, remember that support is available, and the landscape is improving rapidly.

Your journey to understanding and managing ADHD doesn't have to be a long, frustrating wait. With the right healthcare partners and an understanding of these new pathways, you can access the support your family needs to thrive.

If you're ready to explore ADHD assessment options, reach out to our caring team at Inspire Health and Medical. We're here to guide you through the process and help you access the most current assessment approaches available in your area.