NICE Guidance does recommend the treatment of ADHD symptoms with medication is considered as the first line approach for adults with a positive ADHD diagnosis – research shows over 80% of diagnosed adults starting on ADHD medication respond positively, gaining significant benefits for their health, wellbeing and quality of life. NICE Guidance also recommends that psychoeducational and specialist ADHD focused psychological / behavioural interventions may also be beneficial, in combination with medication.

For children and young people with a positive ADHD diagnosis, conservative approaches of family / parenting support, educational support, behavioural and psychological interventions are recommended approaches in the first instance. Where these approaches are either unavailable or are in place already but are insufficient to meet the child or young person’s needs, treatment with ADHD medication, may be given consideration.

Where ADHD is diagnosed and medication is clinically recommended (in line with NICE Guidance), a treatment plan will be discussed with the person / parent / family in a follow up treatment consultation with the diagnosing psychiatrist / child psychiatrist to provide information about the recommended medication to be prescribed, the initiation and dose titration regime and any possible side effects that may arise. Evidence confirms that the efficacious effects of ADHD medication typically become apparent within a matter of weeks of commencement therefore unlike most others, our service ensures of no waiting list requirement, for the treatment consultation. The timing of this appointment is dependent upon the persons / parent / family’s preferences and can be either immediately at the time of diagnosis if they have already researched treatment options and are keen to proceed, or a follow up appointment within two weeks if they require more time to consider implications of their diagnosis and their options for treatment.

This consultation:

• Identifies physical health checks required (via GP) before starting medication
• Risk Assesses for any Mental Health and / or Physical Health risks associated with ADHD treatment.
• Reviews the recommended treatment plan.

A two - three-month period of medication initiation and titration follow up is offered thereafter, the person is reviewed by way of further remote consultations as clinically necessary depending on their treatment plan, to monitor treatment response, symptom reduction and the emergence of side effects during this time. The person’s blood pressure, pulse and weight will also be monitored during this period. Our protocol for titration monitoring, aligns to best practice standards for comprehensive assessment of treatment outcomes. We use a combination of needs focused ADHD Symptom Rating Scales, and Side Effect Rating Scales, at scheduled intervals during the titration period, to comprehensively assess outcome domains and monitor treatment response.

Dependent upon their recommended treatment plan, between 3 to 6 appointments will be required over a three-month period - we will do our best to accommodate appointment to each person / family’s preferred communication choice.

The first medication consultation will explore struggles and goals, and a discussion around medication options, side effects, release profile and what to expect from the medication. Prescriptions will be printed fortnightly and sent electronically to our designated online pharmacy service provider, who ill contact you by email with a link to make payment for your medication costs online. Once payment is received, your medication will be delivered directly to your home address, within 48 hours. Your clinician will inform you when it is safe to up your medication level.

At three months, once stable on medication, the person / family will have a final medication review with their prescribing clinician, who will discuss on-going medication coping strategies and inform that care will be transferred to their GP under a shared care agreement. A final a 14-day medication prescription will be provided at discharge, to allow for time to arrange a GP follow up appointment, and the GP provided with comprehensive information of the person’s treatment plan and guidance to support the transfer. 

Prior to your discharge from our team, the person / family will be offered a final overview appointment with our Consultant, and annual reviews thereafter, if required.