Training and specialisation of psychiatrists in ADHD

Abstract

Objective

To identify the level of training of Australian psychiatrists in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and to compare the number of psychiatrists specialising in ADHD versus other psychiatric conditions on the basis of the prevalence of conditions, by interrogating the RANZCP ‘Find a Psychiatrist’ database.

Conclusion

Fewer psychiatrists listed in the RANZCP database specialise in ADHD than in many other psychiatric conditions. Given that 5% of the Australian population suffers from ADHD, the condition can have significant adverse outcomes and is a common comorbidity with other psychiatric conditions, the RANZCP Training Program would be improved by requiring an in-depth knowledge of ADHD. Further training in ADHD would assist many practising psychiatrists.