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.
The cost of prescriptions falls in a wide range, from £15-130 per month, most commonly £30-60 for young children and £50-130 for adults. We have no direct control over the price of medications but aim to prescribe efficiently to minimise costs where possible.
After commencement of prescribing it can take 3-6 months to stabilise medication and it is helpful to anticipate this cost before embarking on an assessment process.
Shared Care is a voluntary arrangement between CamADHD and your NHS GP. If your GP agrees to share care, they will provide NHS prescriptions and some of the physical monitoring; the responsibility for prescribing decisions remains with the specialist service. If adjustments to the package are decided in conjunction with CamADHD, a shared care arrangement would normally expect patients to to pay privately for the prescriptions involved during the adjustment phase in addition to any CamADHD consultations required to achieve that change. Additionally, shared care requires an annual specialist review and this will be an ongoing cost (currently £200, which includes a letter to your GP).
Shared care is not a patient right. It is the independent right of your NHS GP to decide whether to provide it. Nationally, shared care is fragmented and chaotic and this situation is under review.
CamADHD strives to be a reliable and responsive specialist partner in shared care, working closely with your NHS GP. We are a local service and aim to construct meaningful partnerships with all local practices to achieve best care in the most efficient way possible.
Shared care is arranged by CamADHD formally requesting it via a letter to your GP including details of your treatment package and up to date observations; the decision to enter a shared care arrangement is entirely voluntary on the part of your GP.
Responsibilities under Shared Care
Patient
Direct queries regarding the care package to CamADHD
Book ongoing annual reviews with CamADHD
Notify CamADHD if any newly diagnosed heart disease in self or family
Acknowledge that shared care and provision of NHS prescriptions is dependent on a continuing link with CamADHD
CamADHD
Timely responses to queries from NHS GPs
Ongoing accessibility for patients with medication queries
Specialist annual review to include ongoing physical and mental health monitoring
NHS GP
Provide NHS prescriptions as requested by CamADHD
Notify CamADHD of any new medications which may cause interactions or new health events of relevance
Conduct cardiovascular monitoring according to LES protocol