Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically manifests in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is characterised by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Individuals with ADHD may find it challenging to focus on tasks, may act without thinking, and can be overly active. The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. GPs look after many patients with ADHD.
Patients seeking an ADHD diagnosis
If you believe you (or a child under your parental care) may have ADHD and require a formal assessment and diagnosis, we are able to support you by making a referral into the local NHS Adult ADHD service – currently provided by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). Alternatively, you may choose to access an assessment through the Right to Choose pathway, which allows patients to select an approved NHS provider outside of the local service. Please speak to one of our clinicians if you wish to explore this option.
Private ADHD Diagnosis
If you have received a diagnosis of ADHD through a private provider, please be aware that you must continue to receive your treatment, monitoring, and medication prescriptions through that private service. We are not able to take over prescribing responsibilities, or monitoring , from private (non NHS) providers.
Diagnosis via Right to Choose
If your ADHD diagnosis was made through the Right to Choose pathway with an NHS provider, we may be able to contact the provider (if listed) and they may continue prescribing and monitoring your treatment. Please ensure you have shared full details of your provider with the practice so we can liaise appropriately.
Patients under the age of 18 years old
ADHD medication will be prescribed for children only if a valid and current Shared Care Prescribing Agreement (SCA) is in place with NHS East Suffolk and North Essex (NHS ESNEFT).
A shared care prescribing agreement is a formal arrangement between a patient, their general practitioner (GP), and a hospital consultant (or other specialist) to share the responsibility for prescribing, monitoring, and managing a patient’s medication for a specific condition. This agreement allows a GP to continue prescribing medication initiated by a specialist, typically when a patient’s condition is stable and predictable. We are unable to commence prescribing until the SCA has been received, reviewed and accepted by the practice.
Children who are new to the area-with an existing ADHD diagnosis-will be referred to ESNEFT to initiate a transfer of care. Where clinically appropriate, the practice will provide interim prescriptions until the SCA is formalised.
Prescribing for patients under the age of 18 – private, (non NHS) treatment providers
We are unable to prescribe in these circumstances, where treatment is under a private (non NHS) provider