ADHD Medication Through the Right to Choose

There are medications available for the treatment of ADHD which have been proven to improve difficulties with concentration and focus as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity, so it's a very popular option for people who have received a diagnosis.

While ADHD medication isn't for everyone, ProblemShared's clinicians are able to help you explore your options and determine if it's a path you'd like to pursue.

How can I get ADHD medication through Right to Choose?

Our ADHD Medication pathway is automatically available for eligible Right to Choose clients after they've received a diagnosis of ADHD.

At the end of your assessment, your assessor will explore what post-diagnostic pathways are available to you. This will include ADHD Medication, and if you decide you'd like to go ahead, your assessor will refer you to the Medication team.

Please note that we cannot accept Right to Choose referrals for medication only, even if you have an existing diagnosis. If you're looking to get medication with an existing diagnosis, speak to your GP about your options — they could refer you to an NHS service, or if you have an existing private diagnosis, they can refer you through the Right to Choose for re-assessment.

The Medication Pathway

First Steps

After being referred to our Medication team, your Dashboard will be updated with some digital forms to complete. This includes your GP Summary, which your GP practice will need to provide.

You can find out more information on our page about GP Summaries: What They Are, Why We Need Them and How to Provide One.

Your First Appointment

Once we have everything we need, you'll be added to the waitlist for a Treatment Planning Session.

This session is your first appointment with one of our prescribers. You’ll discuss your treatment options according to what is suitable for you. This discussion takes into account your symptoms and your medical history.

Sometimes, we might need to ask for more medical information or ask for you to have some tests done to make sure it’s safe to prescribe medication. This is called a clinical review. If we do, we’ll explain what it is we need and why, and we’ll contact your GP on your behalf.

If medication is suitable for you, our prescribing team will issue your first prescription.

Titration

Once you start taking medication, you begin titration. This is the process of working closely with your prescriber to find the right medication and dose that works well for you.

During this time, you’ll have regular reviews every 3-4 weeks with your prescriber, who will check how you’re getting on and whether any adjustments need to be made to your prescription. A new prescription will be issued for you after each appointment.

How much does medication cost?

The cost of this pathway is covered entirely by the NHS as part of your Right to Choose referral. 

Can my GP do my prescriptions?

Many people turn to their GP after their diagnosis to get medication, but unfortunately, your GP is unable to prescribe for you independently.

Medication for ADHD often contains controlled drugs, which means that only specialists are able to prescribe them. You'll need to go through the process of titration with a specialist before your GP can get involved with the process.

Once your titration is complete, and you have reached a stable dose of a medication that effectively treats your symptoms, we'll reach out to your GP on your behalf to let them know. At this time, we'll formally initiate a Shared Care Agreement with your GP, which they can accept or reject.

A Shared Care Agreement is a formal arrangement between your specialist and your GP in which your GP agrees to take on the responsibility of issuing your prescription for a set period of time (usually 12 months). When a Shared Care Agreement is in place, your GP will issue your prescription to your usual nominated pharmacy for you to collect, and you'll only have to pay the NHS national prescription fee.

You'll be invited back each year for a periodic review of your prescription so your agreement can be renewed, but if your medication loses efficacy before your review or you start to have side effects, do let us know so we can arrange an appointment for you.

Learning More

You can find more information about the Medication pathway in our Help Centre articles which explore the subject in greater detail.