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

First-time ADHD Assessment Adults 18+ (No Previous Diagnosis)

From Monday 3 November 2025, there will be a new way to refer adults for an ADHD assessment in South-East London.

A new Adult ADHD Referral Triage Service is being introduced to make the process fairer and more consistent for everyone. The service is for adults registered with a GP in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark who present with suspected ADHD symptoms and meet the criteria for an initial ADHD assessment.

If you speak to your GP about possible ADHD for the first time, your GP will now refer you through this new triage service.

What will happen

Contact your GP about a referral for an ADHD assessment.
Complete an online form to request an ADHD referral.
The triage team will review your request and submit your referral to the South-East London Adult ADHD Referral Triage Service.
Once your referral has been accepted, you will be added to the waiting list.
The service will contact you directly to arrange and carry out your initial ADHD assessment.

NHS Right to Choose (RTC) applies only to the initial assessment. Patients may express a preference for a provider through the referral triage service; however, patients cannot be referred directly to NHS RTC providers and must go through the South-East London Referral Triage Service.

This service helps ensure that everyone is assessed fairly and that referrals are directed appropriately. Due to ICB funding and endorsement limitations, the available referral options are limited to this service.

Important notes

This change only affects new referrals for an initial ADHD assessment.
If you have already been referred or are currently on a waiting list, nothing will change for you.
If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD, this change will not affect your care.

Private or non-UK assessments

Please note that from 1 May 2026, Clapham Park Group Practice will no longer be able to take over prescribing of ADHD medications under a Shared Care Agreement with organisations outside of the 3 Boroughs Adult ADHD and Autism Service. From this date, we will only accept Shared Care arrangements for ADHD medication prescribed through the 3 Boroughs Service.

This decision has been made following careful consideration and in consultation with our local NHS ADHD service and the NHS South-East London Integrated Care Board (ICB). It is essential that we maintain the highest standard of care for all patients within the resources and clinical expertise available to us.

We understand that this may be disappointing for some patients, and we would like to reassure you that this decision has not been taken lightly. Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our patients, and we believe this step is necessary to ensure the quality and consistency of care we provide.

Private or Overseas ADHD Assessments

NHS prescriptions cannot be issued based on ADHD diagnoses made through private providers or overseas services.
If you wish to access NHS ADHD medication following a private or overseas diagnosis, we can refer you to the local NHS ADHD service 3 Boroughs Adult ADHD and Autism Service for assessment within the NHS system. Please Complete an online form to request this and submit a copy of your private ADHD assessment report to support the referral process.
Please be aware that demand for this service is extremely high, and the current waiting time is over four years from the date of referral.
Patients referred in this way will join the NHS waiting list as a new referral.
A private or overseas diagnosis will not reduce NHS waiting times.
The patients continue to get private prescriptions with their private provider until they have had the NHS assessment and stabilisation, and GP agrees to sign SCA. (No bridging prescription)
For patients currently under the care of a private ADHD provider, we recommend discussing ongoing prescribing arrangements and treatment options directly with your provider.

Further Information

More guidance and contact details

If you are unsure or would like advice before choosing a referral route, please contact the practice.

Support

More about support available without a diagnosis of ADHD

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