ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that can cause hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention.
Common medications used to treat ADHD include:
- Methylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Dexamfetamine
According to NICE guidelines, ADHD treatment should be started by healthcare providers who specialise in ADHD. Your GP can continue prescribing and monitoring your medication under a shared care arrangement, working closely with ADHD specialists.
Our aim is to ensure prescribing safety and to act in the best interest of our patients by making sure they are managed and reviewed by the appropriate healthcare professionals. This approach also ensures our patients are receiving same high standard of care and management and helps us balance our practice’s work capacity effectively.
Shared Care Arrangements
We will manage your ADHD medication under shared care if:
- You are under NHS care.
- Your condition and medication dose are stable.
- Your GP has all the necessary information to confidently monitor your condition.
- The ADHD specialist team provides ongoing support and advice.
- You have an annual review with your ADHD specialist. If not, you will be encouraged to book an appointment, or your medication may be discontinued.
Policy for Existing Private Patients
- If you already have a private ADHD diagnosis and we have taken over the shared care agreement previously and have been prescribing, we will continue the shared care only if you allow us to refer you to the NHS for your ADHD care. The NHS must agree with your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Before you can be seen by the NHS team for diagnosis, we will be happy to continue prescribing. You will need to have a review with your private provider at least annually. Failure to do so will result in discontinuation of prescribing.
- If the NHS disagrees with your private diagnosis or treatment plan, we will stop the shared care agreement.
New Private Diagnosis/Shared Care Arrangements:
We no longer accept any new private shared care arrangements. However, we are happy to refer you to the NHS for diagnosis and treatment.
Right to Choose Policy:
Our practice accepts referrals to Psychiatry-UK under the Right to Choose option, provided that the referral is initiated by our GP and not through a private self-referral.
For other Right to Choose providers, such as ADHD360, Clinical Partners, and Psicon, these providers only offer the initial assessment and diagnosis. They do not provide ongoing care and review. Consequently, after the initial assessment and diagnosis, GP surgery will need to refer you to the NHS ADHD team for ongoing management. This process may result in delays in accessing ongoing NHS care and treatment.
