We always consider both medication (so called ‘pharmacological treatment’) and talking therapies (so called ‘non-pharmacological treatment’), and often find a combined approach works best.
Talking treatments can include coaching, educational support and psychological support. Talking treatments can often be more effective when combined with medications..
Medication is particularly effective in ADHD and can make an immediate difference. It can be used to improve focus and concentration and to reduce impulsivity. It is possible to gain new insights and to learn and practice more skills more efficiently when taking medication. The improved concentration and focus also helps improve responses to talking treatments, and with time and changes in circumstances some people are able to significantly reduce or even stop medication over time.
Sometimes it is necessary to run some basic heart health tests before starting medication, for instance blood tests and and heart rhythm checks (ECG).
This is most commonly required in adults over 45 years of age, or those with particular conditions that run in their family. This will all be explored at the screening or consultation appointment.
Recent tests completed elsewhere may be used. If further testing is deemed necessary this can be arranged locally through our partner organisations.
Medication initiation appointments may be face to face or by video.
If medication adjustment proceeds smoothly it usually takes around 3 months to stabilise medication, although it may take longer.
If your NHS GP is able to share care and you would prefer to be transferred to a shared care agreement, this can be arranged after 2-3 months on a stable dose.
In the first year we recommend a review appointment 4-6 months after medication is stabilised. Following that, an annual review is a normal part of a shared care agreement and interim appointments are available on request.
We have a flexible prescription management system to suit your needs. Prescription options include:
Paper prescriptions provided in person
Paper prescriptions posted to your pharmacy of choice
Use of a national pharmacy which offers a delivery service to your address of choice
When requesting medication either during titration please use the medication reorder form on the website on the contact page.
The golden rule with medication reordering is not to get down you your last week of medication before requesting more. Medication shortages have occurred frequently in recent years, and this is likely to continue.
Shared care is where we work with your own GP to ensure medications can be provided and health monitoring is done in a way that has the least impact on you. The NHS is reviewing shared care agreements at a national level. At the moment there are different arrangements in different regions and even within regions the arrangements are not applied the same everywhere. We are hopeful that this will be resolved in the future, but for now we will liaise with your GP to see if shared care can be arranged.