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ADHD Prescribing Policy
ADHD Medication and Referral Process at Clapham Park Group Practice
Policy statement
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting concentration, impulse control, and energy levels.
In recent years, there has been increased awareness of adult ADHD, leading to more people seeking assessments. However, due to high demand, NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments can be very long, up to five years in some cases.
Many patients opt to seek private assessments to obtain a diagnosis more quickly. While this can be beneficial, it is important to understand how this impacts access to medication through the NHS.
At Clapham Park Group Practice, we follow NHS guidelines regarding the prescription of ADHD medication. Stimulant ADHD medications are classed as controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. They require careful monitoring due to potential side effects, including insomnia, weight loss, increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, and mental health impacts such as anxiety and depression. For children, these medications can also affect growth, necessitating frequent monitoring.
As a practice, we can only prescribe ADHD medication under specific conditions, ensuring that it is done safely.
Our GPs are not contracted or insured to prescribe ADHD medication for patients who have been diagnosed, or are being treated, outside of NHS Frameworks.
ADHD Referral Routes
Right to Choose (RTC) Scheme:
- Under this scheme, you can choose from certain organisations for your NHS ADHD assessment.
- If you opt for this route, you must ensure that the provider you choose offers medication initiation, titration, and ongoing monitoring.
- If the provider offers these services, we will be able to prescribe medication on their behalf under a “shared care agreement”
- If the provider does not offer these services, we will not be able to prescribe medication on their behalf.
Private or non-UK ADHD Assessments:
- We follow advice from the British Medical Association (BMA) and do not enter into shared care agreements for ADHD prescribing with private providers. This maintains the NHS consitution principle of keeping as clear a separation as possible between private and NHS care. It also avoids negative implications around governance, quality assurance, and promoting health inequalities. We therefore only prescribe ADHD medication for patients who have had their care completely transferred to the NHS.
- If you choose to have a private assessment with a provider outside the NHS and the RTC scheme, please be aware that you will not be eligible for an NHS prescription.
- Similarly, if your ADHD assessment was conducted outside the UK, NHS prescriptions will not be available.
- If you have received a private/non-UK diagnosis and would like to access ADHD medication through the NHS, we can refer you into the system. However, please note that you will be placed at the end of the waiting list, even if you already have a diagnosis and are seeking medication only.
- We understand that navigating this process can be complex, and we’re here to support you in any way we can.
Before choosing a referral provider, ensure they can:
- Prescribe and stabilise your medication.
- Monitor your physical health as required.
- Provide annual reviews.
We cannot take on these responsibilities for external providers, as it would not be safe. More information can be found on the ADHD UK website, or by directly contacting the organisation you are considering.
If you have any further questions, please contact the practice.