Paediatric ADHD – an update for GPs

This will be a collaborative session led by a paediatrician and a GP specialising in ADHD management, focusing on diagnosis, treatment strategies, and enhancing GP confidence in ADHD care. The talk will also address knowledge gaps, explore challenges in primary care, and provide practical solutions to improve ADHD management.

This session will feature a collaborative presentation by a paediatrician and a GP specialising in ADHD management. It will explore GP interest and perceptions of ADHD, with a focus on diagnosis, management, and treatment strategies. The primary objective is to enhance understanding and foster stronger collaboration between specialists and GPs, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge needed to manage ADHD effectively in their practices.

The talk will provide an overview of ADHD diagnosis and management, covering general strategies and pharmacological treatment options. Additionally, it will identify potential gaps in knowledge within primary care settings and address common challenges GPs face in ADHD management. Practical solutions will be discussed to help overcome these barriers, ensuring GPs are better prepared to support ADHD patients in their care.

Speakers:

Dr Riju Mittal brings over 24 years of experience in paediatrics in Melbourne, specialising in addressing the complex developmental and behavioural needs of children. Her expertise covers a wide range of conditions including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD.

She holds dual qualifications in general paediatrics and community child health. Dr Mittal’s practice is firmly grounded in evidence. She stays current through active participation in relevant conferences and memberships in professional societies such as the Australasian Society for Developmental Paediatrics (ASDP), Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

She regularly contributes to medical education by providing formal teaching to paediatricians, trainees, and medical students. In addition to English, Dr Mittal is proficient in Hindi and Marathi, which enhances her ability to connect with a diverse range of patients and families. Being a mum of three herself, she knows how important good care is for children and always does her best to help them.

Dr Mia West is a general practitioner in Geelong, with a special interest in all areas of paediatrics. She works in private practice in North Geelong, but also in the Barwon Regional Adolescent and Child Health Share-Care (BRANCHS) clinic, a public general paediatric service for children and families. Through these practices she understands both sides of shared care and co-prescribing for those with ADHD.  

She is passionate about children's health and wellbeing, having taken regular opportunities to upskill in paediatrics, parenting, and enhancing communication skills with children and families.  

As a parent of three school-aged children she also understands the environment in which kids today are growing up.  

Learning outcomes:

1. Describe the diagnostic criteria for ADHD
2. Describe the general management and pharmacological treatment options for ADHD, including shared care models.
3. Explain referral pathways and information required to assist in specialist assessment and the barriers and possible solutions to providing ADHD care in primary care settings.
4. Explain how to provide care as part of a shared care model for non-complex patients with ADHD.
5. Describe how foster shared care between GPs and specialists reduces waiting times and enhances access for non-complex ADHD patients.