NHS ADHD Treatment We Provide

If you receive a diagnosis of ADHD , the next step is to consider the support and treatment options available to you.

We are commissioned by the NHS specifically to provide pharmacological treatment for ADHD . This means that if you choose to try medication, we can support you safely through that process.

At the same time, we recognise that ADHD management is about more than medication. We are continually developing ways to offer additional support, including signposting to trusted services and resources, and we are currently running a pilot programme of psychoeducational workshops. These workshops introduce a variety of tools - both practical strategies and physical aids - that many people find helpful in everyday life.

Medication and Titration

Medication can be an effective option for some people with ADHD, but the decision to take it is always yours. If you decide to proceed, you will begin a process known as titration. This involves starting at a low dose, monitoring how you respond, and adjusting gradually until the most effective and tolerable dose is found.

For those who are eligible and opt for medication, we begin this process from the point of assessment. In some services, diagnosis and treatment are managed separately with additional waiting lists - at MHWS, we aim to avoid unnecessary delays. We know that for many people medication can make a significant difference, which is why we offer access as soon as it is safe and appropriate.

During titration you will have regular follow-up reviews, either face-to-face or online, to discuss how things are going. Our clinicians will work with you closely, answer questions, and make changes where necessary.

To ensure safety, we need up-to-date blood pressure and pulse readings before and during treatment. These can be taken at home, at your GP surgery, or at a local pharmacy. If you attend appointments in person, our team can take them for you.

Once you have reached a stable dose, your medication can usually be continued with repeat prescriptions issued either through our service or your GP. You will also be reviewed every 6-12 months to make sure the treatment continues to meet your needs.

Heart Health and Other Investigations

Before or during medication, there are some occasions when additional health checks are recommended. While ADHD medication is safe for most people, it can affect blood pressure and heart rate.

To keep you safe, we may sometimes ask for tests such as an Electrocardiogram (ECG) or an Echocardiogram (Echo). These tests are straightforward, non-invasive, and can be carried out in our Shrewsbury clinic overseen by our Consultant Cardiologist. We always explain why a test is recommended, what it involves, and provide the option of a chaperone for your comfort.

What if I Choose Not to Take Medication?

Choosing whether to take ADHD medication is a personal decision. If you decide not to start medication - or if it is not suitable for medical reasons - you will be discharged from our commissioned service. However, you can be re-referred in the future if your circumstances or preferences change.

Importantly, ADHD can be supported in many ways beyond medication. Our team regularly signposts to other NHS and community resources, and our pilot psychoeducational workshops are designed to give people living with ADHD a wider range of tools and strategies to draw upon.

Special Considerations

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, please let your clinician know. Certain medications may not be suitable during this time, and alternative approaches may need to be considered.