ADHD medication without an ADHD diagnosis

[Greenwallpinkwall]

Hi all

Does anyone whether it’s possible to be prescribed ADHD medication such as Methylphenidate without a formalised diagnosis? Perhaps by a private Psychiatrist with special interest in neurodiversity.

Thank you

Surely a private psychiatrist would have to go through and do all the diagnostic stuff and give you a diagnosis so you could have the appropriate treatment? Those are highly controlled drugs and they aren't just going to hand them out.

Thanks for the reply. I forgot to add that I’m not asking for myself. It’s a long and complicated situation.

It doesn't matter how long and complicated the situation though. You don't just get handed medication like that without a good reason. Any qualified psychiatrist is going to have to make sure they are treating you (or anyone) appropriately with the proper assessments and treatments. Medication isn't risk free, so needs to be carefully considered.

Absolutely not. Anyone who did this would be struck off. ADHD meds are controlled drugs.

Depends what for. It’s not only for treating ADHD.

Anyone who would be prepared to do this would be extremely dodgy. In a should be struck off and the police would be interested kind of way.