Medication can be an important part of treatment for some children and young people with ADHD.
It is usually considered after first-line approaches, such as parenting strategies, behavioural support and school-based adjustments, have been tried but have not provided enough improvement in symptoms and day-to-day functioning.
Our Consultant Psychiatrists take time to understand the child’s individual needs and will only recommend or prescribe medication where it is clinically appropriate, safe, and in the child’s best interests.
Seeking ADHD medication after an assessment elsewhere?
If your child has had an ADHD assessment with another provider and you would now like to consider medication or if your child is already taking ADHD medication and you wish to transfer their care to our service;
We recommend booking an ADHD Review appointment
Find out more by visiting our Services page – https://www.cmhclinic.co.uk/assessment/
Please note that medication is not prescribed automatically. The Consultant will first review your child’s previous assessment report, discuss their current symptoms and needs, and determine whether medication is clinically appropriate and safe.
If so, a treatment plan, including a prescription where appropriate, can be provided.
Your Child’s Medication Journey
Every child is different. The steps below explain what to expect from starting medication through to ongoing reviews.
1. Medication initiation appointment
This appointment is the first step in starting ADHD medication.
You and your child will meet with one of our Consultant Psychiatrists, who will assess whether medication is appropriate based on your child’s individual needs. They will explain the different medication options, discuss the potential benefits and possible side effects, and outline the monitoring and follow-up process.
Physical observations will also be completed, including blood pressure, pulse, height, weight and a cardiovascular examination using a stethoscope. If these are satisfactory, a trial of medication may be initiated, should parents wish to proceed.
If medication is started, a month’s prescription will be issued at the end of the appointment.
2. What happens after the medication initiation appointment?
Follow-up reviews are essential to monitor the medication.
The first follow-up usually takes place a month after starting medication. Most patients require one to three follow-up appointments before medication is stabilised.
3. What is involved in ongoing monitoring?
Once your child’s medication has been stabilised, regular review appointments are required to ensure treatment remains safe and effective. Monitoring reviews take place at least every six months.
These appointments are an essential part of the ADHD medication monitoring requirements, allowing us to assess your child’s progress, monitor for any side effects, and make any adjustments if needed.
To ensure safe prescribing, it is important that review appointments are attended regularly.
If the reviews are not attended in a timely manner, the Consultant may not be able to authorise ongoing prescriptions, and your child’s care may be subject to discharge from the clinic.
4. Shared care with GP’s?
Once your child’s medication has been stabilised, we can request your GP to take over prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement, while your child remains under the care of the specialist Consultant.
This means your GP may be able to provide free NHS repeat prescriptions, which can help reduce the ongoing cost of treatment.
We have good working relationships with many local GP practices. However, participation in Shared Care is at the discretion of individual GPs and practices, so we recommend discussing this with your GP in advance.
5. Prescription policy and associated fees?
ADHD medications are usually controlled drugs and are subject to strict prescribing regulations.
Prescriptions are normally collected from the clinic but can be posted to a named pharmacy where required.
Prescriptions issued during an appointment are free.
Prescription requests made outside a scheduled review appointment are chargeable
(see our Fees page https://www.cmhclinic.co.uk/fees-2/)