Can a GP prescribe ADHD meds to an adult?

[orinocodoco]

DS was diagnosed with ADHD 18 months ago and was offered medication at the time, which he accepted but then decided not to take, so just had the one prescription.

He now wants to try medication, but as he has turned 18 he's been discharged by CAMHS.

Would the GP be able to re-prescribe the Methylphenidate, as he was prescribed it before, or will it mean a referral to Adult Mental Health (and therefore a very long wait...)

If we have to go down that route, can we pay for a private consultant so that he doesn't have to wait - or would the GP not accept that?

Thanks

No, a GP can’t titrate it. He has to be on a stable dose before GP can prescribe.

You can ask for NHS referral with a long wait.

You can pay to see a private Consultant. I think as your ds has an existing nhs diagnosis the GP will accept it. They will often accept a private diagnosis and take over the prescription but I think the nhs diagnosis will mean they have to.

You will initially have to pay for private prescriptions from a private consultant if you go down that route until your gp takes it over. This means you pay for the prescription to be issued then pay the pharmacy for the cost of the drug itself.

Thank you.

Do you know whether a private psychiatrist would do the titration on the basis of an NHS diagnosis, or would they want to go through the assessment again?

Your GP needs to send the diagnosis to the Adult service as a referral (they may need help with this but look up your local mental health Trust) and they will see then request to see him and then start medication. You have to be under a specialist. But once the correct medication and dose is found the GP can continue on repeat.
The adult service is likely to be oversubscribed and may not have an ADHD specialist just MH consultant.

@orinocodoco

Thank you.

Do you know whether a private psychiatrist would do the titration on the basis of an NHS diagnosis, or would they want to go through the assessment again?

I think they'll want to do some appointments so you'll have to pay for them anyway so might end up being similar. Camhs should also be able to transfer him over.

Just be aware that not all GPs will enter into a shared care agreement with private psychiatrist and to meet the requirements of shared care the patient has to remain under the care of the psychiatrist so worth speaking to GP first

GP will not prescribe in our area without a shared care agreement

It depends how long ago your son was diagnosed and offered meds 6 months before 18 or 6 years. Would recommend taking the meds, they are life changing