Dear Patients,
We are writing to inform you about an important update to our practice policy regarding the prescribing of medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We recognise that many patients rely on ADHD medication as an important part of managing their condition, and we appreciate that access to prescriptions and ongoing treatment is a key concern for those affected. For this reason, we want to clearly explain the changes to how ADHD prescriptions will be managed by our practice going forward.
ADHD is a complex medical condition that requires specialist assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring. General Practitioners (GPs) are not able to diagnose ADHD. If ADHD is suspected, a referral must be made to an appropriate specialist service for a full assessment. Within our local services, this includes providers such as Psychiatry UK, which provides NHS ADHD services for adults, and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for children and young people.
If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, the specialist may recommend medication to help manage symptoms. These medications are highly specialised treatments and can carry potential risks if not carefully monitored. Many ADHD medications, such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, are also controlled drugs and are therefore subject to stricter prescribing regulations.
National guidance recommends that patients receiving ADHD medication remain under the long-term care of a specialist service. This includes:
- Careful initiation of medication by a specialist
- Dose adjustments and treatment optimisation by the specialist team
- Regular monitoring, including physical health checks
- Annual specialist reviews to ensure the treatment remains safe and effective
Over recent years, there has been a significant increase in requests for GP practices to take on shared care prescribing for ADHD medications. While we understand the importance of access to treatment, this rise has placed considerable pressure on GP services. The prescribing and monitoring requirements for ADHD medications are complex and highly specialised.
Unfortunately, GP practices are not currently funded or contracted by the NHS to provide the comprehensive specialist monitoring required for ADHD treatment. Due to the complexity of ADHD care, and the increasing number of shared care requests, we do not have the specialist training, capacity, or resources required to safely provide long-term prescribing for these medications outside of specialist supervision.
After careful discussion among the clinicians at our practice, we have therefore made the difficult decision to update our ADHD prescribing policy.
Our Practice Policy
Going forward, our practice will not be accepting shared care agreements for the ongoing prescribing of ADHD medications. Responsibility for prescribing, monitoring, and reviewing ADHD medication will remain with the specialist service that has carried out the assessment and diagnosis.
This decision has been made to ensure that ADHD treatment is delivered safely and in line with national guidance, and to maintain the quality and safety of care we provide to all of our patients.
What This Means for You
If you are currently being assessed by an NHS ADHD service: Our practice will not be able to take over prescribing. The specialist service responsible for your assessment will continue to provide your medication and monitoring.
If you are currently receiving ADHD medication through the surgery: We will be working to transfer your ADHD care to the relevant NHS specialist service (for example Psychiatry UK or another commissioned ADHD provider). They will be responsible for the ongoing prescribing, monitoring, and review of your medication. We will however continue prescribing until your care is transferred to the ADHD service.
If you are considering a private ADHD assessment: Please be aware that if a diagnosis is made privately, the prescribing and monitoring of ADHD medication may also need to remain with that private provider. We strongly advise checking the potential costs of ongoing prescriptions and specialist reviews before proceeding.
Children and Young People
For patients under the age of 18 who are receiving ADHD medication, prescribing and monitoring will be managed by CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
As of 1 February 2026, our practice is unfortunately no longer able to continue prescribing ADHD medications for children and young people. CAMHS will therefore continue to provide prescriptions, reviews, and monitoring for these medications.
If your child currently receives ADHD medication, please contact CAMHS directly regarding ongoing prescriptions or reviews.
We appreciate that these changes may be frustrating, particularly given the long waiting times currently experienced within ADHD services. Please be assured that this decision has been made carefully and with patient safety as our primary concern.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
The Practice Team