FAQ
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Get the information you need with simple, reliable explanations.
The Treatment Pathway
What happens during the ADHD medication initiation appointment?
Your initial appointment is a detailed consultation with one of our ADHD clinicians. They’ll review your ADHD diagnosis, full medical history, and any current medications. You’ll also complete physical health checks (blood pressure, height, and weight).
Together, you’ll explore treatment options, understand how ADHD medication works, and agree on a safe, personalised plan. If medication is suitable, your first prescription will be issued during this appointment, allowing you to begin treatment straight away.
Your clinician may also recommend non-medicated options, such as therapy, coaching, or behavioural support to complement your medication plan. If so, our Patient Support Team will connect you with trusted specialists from our approved partner network.
Why do you triage new patients before booking an ADHD medication appointment?
Every new enquiry is carefully triaged by our Patient Support Team to ensure you’re booked into the right treatment pathway and with the most appropriate clinician. This review includes looking at your ADHD diagnosis report, understanding your medical history, and identifying any factors that may influence the safest approach to care.
In a small number of cases, for example, where there is a history of suicidal thoughts, significant physical health risks, or complex psychiatric conditions, our team may advise that your care would be better managed by our partner service, Clarity Psychiatry. This ensures you receive the most appropriate level of expertise and clinical safety from the very start of your journey.
How long does the titration process for ADHD medication usually take?
Most patients complete the titration process within 6–8 weeks, although this can vary from person to person. You’ll have short review appointments every 3–4 weeks to monitor dosage, response, and any side effects.
Your clinician will make small, safe adjustments until the medication reaches its optimal balance for you. Throughout this period, we’ll check in regularly using a clinically recognised ADHD progress questionnaire, which helps your clinician understand exactly how you’re feeling and identify any side effects early, ensuring your treatment stays safe, effective, and tailored to you.
Will I always need a 6-month review after the initial medication period?
Yes. Regular reviews are a key part of NICE-compliant ADHD care. They ensure your medication remains safe, effective, and appropriate. Each review includes physical health checks, well-being updates, and adjustments where needed. Children’s reviews are every 6 months, while adults move to a 12-month period post-stabilisation.
What if I decide not to start medication after the initiation appointment?
That’s completely fine. Your clinician will discuss all treatment options, including non-medicated support such as therapy or coaching. The initiation appointment gives you the knowledge to make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
How often will I see a clinician during the treatment pathway?
You’ll typically have your initiation appointment, then titration reviews every 3–4 weeks, followed by six-month reviews once stable. If needed, you can book extra check-ins or support sessions at any time for reassurance.
What criteria determine whether the clinician prescribing is a doctor vs a specialist nurse?
All ADHD Service clinicians are qualified prescribers. Most stable or straightforward cases are led by specialist nurse prescribers, while consultant psychiatrists or paediatricians manage more complex cases (e.g. multiple conditions, cardiac history, or significant mental health factors).
Can the treatment pathway change if new health problems arise?
Yes. Your safety always comes first. If your medical situation changes, your case will be reviewed by our senior clinical team, and your pathway may shift to a psychiatrist-led model or additional monitoring.
How do I know when my child or I have reached “stable” on medication?
You’re considered “stable” once your symptoms are well-controlled, side effects are minimal, and no further dose changes are needed. This is confirmed during titration reviews using structured clinical assessments such as the aCOS questionnaire and direct feedback from you or your child.
Prescription Medication
What types of ADHD medications do you prescribe?
We prescribe both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, all approved under NICE NG87 clinical guidelines and prescribed by qualified clinicians.
Stimulant medications (such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine) work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain, improving focus, motivation, and impulse control.
Non-stimulant medications (such as atomoxetine or guanfacine) help regulate attention and emotional balance more gradually, and can be a good option where stimulants aren’t suitable.
Your clinician will guide you through each option and work closely with you to find the right medication type, dose, and schedule for your individual needs, safely and effectively.
Are ADHD medications safe for long-term use in children and adults?
Yes. When prescribed and monitored properly, ADHD medications are safe for long-term use. Studies show that 70–80% of patients see significant improvements without serious side effects. We conduct regular physical checks and reviews to maintain ongoing safety.
What are the common side effects of ADHD medication and how are they monitored?
Common side effects include mild appetite changes, sleep issues, or headaches. These are closely monitored during titration and reviews. If side effects persist, your clinician will adjust your dosage or medication type to keep treatment safe and comfortable.
Will medication change my child’s or my personality or who I am?
No. ADHD medication helps improve concentration and emotional regulation, but it doesn’t change who you are. Most patients describe feeling calmer, more focused, and more like themselves than before treatment.
How is the right dose of ADHD medication found and adjusted?
Your clinician starts at a low, safe dose and adjusts gradually during titration reviews. We track symptoms using structured questionnaires and real-world feedback from home, school, or work until your optimal dose is reached.
What if I or my child don’t respond well to the first type of medication?
That’s completely normal. ADHD treatment is highly individual. If one medication doesn’t suit you, we’ll review alternatives, either a different stimulant or a non-stimulant and safely transition your prescription as needed.
Are non-stimulant medications an option and when are they used?
Yes. Non-stimulants are used when stimulants aren’t tolerated or when co-existing conditions (such as anxiety or tics) make them more suitable. They can be equally effective but may take longer to show results.
How can medication help beyond attention and focus (e.g., mood, behaviour)?
ADHD medication supports more than just concentration. Many patients experience improvements in emotional regulation, motivation, and self-esteem, as well as reduced impulsivity and more stable relationships at school, work, and home, leading to a stronger overall sense of wellbeing and confidence.
Research consistently shows that the best outcomes come from a combined approach, using medication alongside coaching or therapy. While medication supports attention and emotional balance, therapy helps individuals build coping skills, structure, and resilience in everyday life.
At The ADHD Service, we work with a trusted network of partner clinicians and therapists who specialise in ADHD-focused coaching and psychological support. Please ask our Patient Support Team for details on accessing these additional services.
Pharmacy & Process
How will my ADHD medication be prescribed and delivered?
All ADHD prescriptions are issued by your clinician and sent electronically to our partner pharmacy, The Good Pharmacy, for safe dispensing and delivery. Once received, the pharmacy team will contact you directly to confirm payment and delivery details before processing your order.
Every prescription is clinically checked twice for safety, then securely packaged and delivered to your home within 7 days using a tracked courier service.
If you experience any issues or delays, please contact the pharmacy team directly on 07379 009930 for immediate assistance. Once a prescription has been transferred to the pharmacy, they hold clinical responsibility for dispensing and delivery to you.
How much does ADHD medication cost and how are prescriptions charged?
ADHD medication and private prescriptions are chargeable, but we work hard to keep costs fair and transparent.
For all paid appointments, including your Initiation, Titration, and Six-Month Review, the prescription fee is already included in the appointment cost.
For repeat prescriptions issued outside of an appointment, there is a private prescription charge of £65.
You can find full details on our Prices & Packages page.
Medication itself is charged directly by the pharmacy to the patient once dispensed. The typical cost of ADHD medication is between £60 and £120 per month, depending on your tailored prescription and dosage.
Each prescription covers four weeks of medication, as recommended under NICE NG87 guidelines, to ensure safety and ongoing clinical review.
What happens if a prescription is missed or delayed?
If your prescription delivery is delayed, please contact The Good Pharmacy directly on 07379 009930. Their team can track your order, confirm expected arrival times, and prioritise urgent deliveries where needed to prevent any treatment interruption.
If you’ve missed, lost, or forgotten to order your repeat prescription, please use our online Repeat Prescription Service to place a new order as soon as possible. From the date your prescription is requested, you can expect processing and delivery in about 5-7 working days.
How does the home delivery pharmacy service work and is it safe?
Yes, it’s fully regulated and compliant with GPhC standards. Medications are stored, packaged, and delivered using tracked courier services to ensure patient safety and confidentiality.
What happens when I move from the private service to shared care with my GP?
Once your medication is stable, we can issue a Shared Care Agreement letter for your GP. This enables your NHS doctor to continue prescribing your medication while we maintain oversight and periodic reviews.
How do I track my medication and clinic reviews online?
You’ll receive email confirmations, digital invoices, and delivery tracking links for every order. Your appointment schedule and review reminders are also managed through our secure online portal.
What should I do if a pharmacy or delivery issue arises?
If you experience any issue with your pharmacy or medication delivery, please contact The Good Pharmacy directly on 07379 009930. Their team will investigate the problem, track your order, and work quickly to provide a safe and practical solution.
How are prescriptions managed for children, adults and changing needs?
Children’s doses are reviewed more frequently as they grow. Adults may need adjustments over time due to lifestyle, stress, or other medications. Our clinicians track this at every review to ensure ongoing accuracy.
Terms, Conditions & Pricing
How much does ADHD treatment cost with The ADHD Service and what is included?
Our pricing is fully transparent, you’ll see exact costs for each appointment type before booking. Fees cover your consultation, clinical preparation, dual safety checks, and documentation. Prices start from £395 for an initiation appointment. For full details of all our prices see our Pricing Page
What payment options or plans are available?
We offer secure online payment at booking and flexible payment options. Receipts are suitable for insurance or workplace reimbursement where applicable.
What is the policy for cancelling or rescheduling appointments?
Appointments can be changed or cancelled up to 72 hours before your scheduled session for a £100 change fee. Changes or cancellations made within 72 hours of your appointment will incur the full appointment fee, as your clinician’s time has already been reserved and prepared for your case.
This policy ensures we can maintain fair access to appointments for all patients and protect the dedicated time our clinicians allocate to each individual.
What is the difference between our private service and NHS shared care?
Choosing private ADHD treatment means your care is self-funded, giving you complete control over when and where you start your journey. With The ADHD Service, you can typically begin assessment and medication within weeks, rather than waiting years through the NHS system.
Once your medication is stable, you can carry on receiving private prescriptions and care.
Waiting to begin treatment through an NHS service can mean a delay of several years in some cases, during which symptoms may worsen, academic or professional progress may stall, and emotional well-being may be affected. Private treatment lets you start safely, get the support you need now, and avoid the long-term impact of waiting.
What is the age range for children and adults that we treat?
We provide ADHD treatment for children aged 6 and above, as well as teenagers and adults. Every pathway is adapted to age, lifestyle, and family needs.
Are there hidden costs or additional fees I should know about?
No hidden fees, everything is outlined upfront. Optional extras like letters, school meetings, or legal reports are clearly priced on our Prices & Packages page.
You’ll receive email confirmations, digital invoices, and delivery tracking links for every order. Your appointment schedule and review reminders are also managed through our secure online portal.
How do I transition from private treatment to NHS or shared care if needed?
Once your ADHD treatment is stable, your clinician can, at your request, prepare a Shared Care Agreement letter for your GP. Our Patient Support Team will then coordinate directly with your GP practice to request the transfer of prescribing responsibilities from private to NHS care.
There is a small administration fee for this process (see our Prices Page for details). The full Shared Care request pack is usually completed and sent within one week of your request.
Please note that Shared Care is not guaranteed. Some GPs or local NHS trusts are currently declining new shared care requests due to workload or policy restrictions. If your GP is unable to accept the agreement, your ongoing prescriptions and clinical reviews will continue privately under our self-pay pathway to ensure your treatment remains safe and uninterrupted.
What support is available if I have questions outside of clinic sessions?
Our Patient Support Team is available by phone or email to help with general queries, appointment management, and guidance about your next steps. We aim to respond to all non-urgent messages within two working days.
For clinical questions, you can email the general address listed in your booking confirmation. These messages are reviewed by our clinicians during working hours, and your query may be discussed at your next review or during a follow-up call if required.
If you ever feel your situation is urgent or an emergency, please follow standard NHS advice:
- If you need immediate medical help, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
- If you need urgent advice but it’s not life-threatening, call NHS 111 for 24-hour support.
- If you feel unsafe, in crisis, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
