ADHD Prescribing Policy

Overview

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect concentration, impulse control, and energy levels. Medication can be helpful but requires careful monitoring because of potential side effects (such as sleep problems, weight loss, high blood pressure, and effects on mental health).
Waiting times for NHS ADHD assessments can be very long (up to 5 years). Some people choose to seek private assessments to obtain a diagnosis sooner. However, this has implications for accessing medication through the NHS.

At Clapham Park Group Practice, we can only prescribe ADHD medication under specific conditions to ensure patient safety and compliance with NHS guidance.

Our Prescribing Policy

We do not enter into shared care agreements with private providers.

• This follows British Medical Association (BMA) advice and NHS principles, which aim to keep NHS and private care separate.
• It avoids risks around safety, governance, and health inequalities.

We only prescribe ADHD medication where care has been fully transferred into the NHS.

If your ADHD assessment was:

• Private (outside the NHS or RTC scheme) → You will not be eligible for an NHS prescription.
• Outside the UK → You will not be eligible for an NHS prescription.

Referral Routes

1. Right to Choose (RTC) scheme

• You may choose from approved NHS organisations for your ADHD assessment.
• To ensure you can access medication via your GP afterwards, your chosen provider must:
  • Initiate and titrate your medication.
  • Provide physical health monitoring.
  • Offer annual reviews.
• If the provider meets these requirements, we can prescribe your ADHD medication under a shared care agreement. Participating NHS Right to Choose providers can be found on the ADHD UK website
• If they do not offer these services, we cannot prescribe on their behalf.

2. Private or non-UK assessments

• NHS prescriptions cannot be issued for ADHD diagnoses made privately or overseas.
• If you wish to access NHS medication after a private/overseas diagnosis, we can refer you into the NHS system.
• You will be placed on the waiting list as if you were starting the process from scratch.
• Your private diagnosis will not shorten the NHS waiting time.

Before Choosing a Provider

Please check that they can:

• Prescribe and stabilise your medication.
• Monitor your physical health (blood pressure, weight, heart rate, etc).
• Provide annual reviews.

We cannot safely take on these responsibilities if your provider does not offer them.

Further Information

• More guidance can be found via ADHD UK and the NHS website.
• If you are unsure or would like advice before choosing a referral route, please contact the practice.