Adult ADHD

The drug treatments for ADHD are stimulant medications, related to amphetamines. In England, these are controlled substances and are subject to strict prescribing regulations. It is not illegal to possess these medications, provided they have been prescribed to you. However, they can only be prescribed by specialists in psychiatry. A GP can only prescribe them under a shared care agreement with the specialist.

We work with the local NHS, the Cambridge and Peterborough CCG, which has established a shared care agreement with our local NHS adult ADHD clinic. This agreement is made for each individual patient after the ADHD clinic has completed the process of establishing the correct treatment and dosage. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of the specialist, the GP, and the patient. For example, the patient must ensure that we have six-monthly recordings of their weight, height, pulse, and blood pressure while on treatment. If the conditions of the shared care agreement are not met, the GP cannot prescribe the medication.

Important Information:

We can only enter into shared care agreements with our local adult ADHD clinic and NOT with:

• Specialist clinics outside of the local area

• Private specialists, whether in Cambridge or elsewhere, including those working within the NHS

• Doctors abroad

This means that we cannot prescribe ADHD medication to adults who are:

• Under the care of a specialist clinic outside of our local NHS adult ADHD clinic, even if they are established on treatment

• Prescribed ADHD medication by doctors abroad, even if they are established on treatment

• Under the care of private ADHD specialists, even if they are established on treatment

• Diagnosed with ADHD but have not yet been prescribed medication by the Cambridge NHS adult ADHD clinic, regardless of how confident we are in the diagnosis

We are happy to refer anyone we suspect may have ADHD, as well as those who have already been diagnosed, especially those already on treatment. If you need assistance, please contact your usual GP as soon as possible.

We cannot prescribe any medication until you have been seen by CPFT's Adult ADHD clinic.

The classification of mental health diagnoses varies between countries. In many countries, including the USA, the term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is used, whereas in the UK, the term ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is more commonly recognized.

ADD vs. ADHD:
Although ADD and ADHD are very similar, they are not the same. Many patients diagnosed with ADD abroad, particularly in the USA, will meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in the UK.

Treatment Differences:
ADD is also treated with amphetamines, but in countries outside the UK, these medications may not be subject to the same strict prescribing regulations. In the UK, the prescribing of amphetamines is much more regulated.

Amphetamine Medication for ADD Diagnosed Abroad

Each year, we receive a significant number of new patients who are taking prescribed amphetamine medications for ADD, typically diagnosed abroad. It is understandable that patients who have been on these medications for years would expect to continue receiving the same treatment upon arriving in the UK.

However, we cannot prescribe these medications unless the patient is under the care of our local NHS adult ADHD clinic. While we are happy to refer patients to the clinic, this can only be done after they have registered with us, which means after they have moved to Cambridge.

Important Considerations:

• Long Waits: There is often a long wait to be seen by the ADHD specialist clinic, so it’s important to be prepared.

• Medication and UK Law: If you are currently taking medication for ADD, you may consider bringing your medication with you or having it sent to you. However, you must be aware of UK laws regarding the possession of amphetamines, as well as customs regulations. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide advice on these legal issues.