OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
NHS ADHD treatment & medication pathway
Medication is one of many tools available to help manage ADHD. Our approach is governed by strict clinical safety standards and NICE guidelines, ensuring that any treatment plan is carefully considered, monitored, and tailored to the individual’s health and wellbeing.
Medication is not an automatic outcome of an ADHD diagnosis.
A clear starting point
For children and young people, ADHD medication can only be considered after completion of the psychoeducation programme.
When medication may be considered
A decision about ADHD medication is only considered after the psychoeducation programme has been completed and reviewed, and only when all of the following apply:
- ADHD has been diagnosed
- Medication is clinically appropriate
- Non-medication strategies have been discussed and implemented
- The pathway you are on includes medication support
Completing psychoeducation does not mean medication will follow.
It creates the point at which medication may be considered.
How to start medication following an ADHD assessment
The infographic below shows the full medication process. Your starting point depends on where your ADHD assessment was completed.
If an ADHD assessment has taken place with us at Provide Wellbeing:
Providing the required psychoeducation has been completed, the medication pathway will start at the “Initial Medication Appointment” step below.
If the assessment was not with Provide Wellbeing:
Once an ADHD diagnosis has been confirmed, providing appropriate psychoeducation has been completed, the medication pathway will begin at the first step outlined below under “ADHD Diagnosis Confirmed”.
Please note that we are currently awaiting confirmation regarding whether this service can be provided through the NHS. Therefore, we cannot accept referrals via the NHS for medication only. We will update this page as soon as further information becomes available.
Medication Assessment Pathway
ADHD treatment under NHS pathways
Where ADHD medication is commissioned as part of an NHS pathway, treatment may include:
- clinical review and discussion of treatment options
- baseline physical health checks (height, weight and blood pressure)
- medication initiation, where appropriate
- structured monitoring and follow-up appointments
- ongoing review of benefits and side effects
Medication is prescribed and monitored in line with NICE guidance, with safety and effectiveness reviewed at every stage.
Shared care with your GP
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a formal partnership where our specialists provide the clinical expertise and your GP handles the ongoing monthly prescriptions. The care can only be transferred to your GP when your child/young person is stable on medication. This ensures you can collect your medication from your local pharmacy while remaining under the ‘umbrella’ of specialist oversight for your annual reviews
If shared care is not immediately agreed, prescribing arrangements will follow local NHS processes and patient safety requirements.
If families choose not to proceed with medication
After the psychoeducation programme has been completed and reviewed, families may decide not to proceed with medication.
In this situation:
- the child or young person will be discharged from the service
- post-diagnostic advice and signposting remain valid
If medication is not included in your pathway
Some NHS pathways commission assessment and diagnosis only.
If medication is not included:
- this will be explained clearly
- medication cannot be provided under that pathway
- advice and signposting will still be offered
- your GP can discuss alternative options or referrals where appropriate
Self-pay assessments do not automatically include NHS prescribing.
Reviewing medication over time
For those who proceed with medication:
- regular reviews are carried out
- treatment is adjusted as needed
- ongoing monitoring ensures safety and continued benefit
- once stable on medication, we will transfer ongoing prescribing to your GP whilst providing annual reviews
Medication decisions are always made collaboratively, with the child, young person, or family fully involved.
Where this fits in the wider journey
You may find it helpful to also read:
What Happens After an Assessment
NHS Psychoeducation & Non-Medication Support
These pages explain the full pathway and how decisions are made step by step.
TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT
Neurodevelopmental Services
Call 0300 303 9966, email
provide.wellbeing@nhs.net
or complete the form below…
Support you can trust
Our team provides actionable insights, no matter where you are on your journey, and offers expert advice to help you or a family member on your road to a diagnosis. Our ASD and ADHD services are suitable for children and young people seeking a diagnosis.
