Please note we can only take referrals from your GP.
Please do not contact the service directly. The service will be in contact with you within 8 weeks on receipt of your referral.
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GPs Referring Patients

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INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What should I do once I am referred by my GP?

A member of our team will be in contact within 8 weeks to confirm that we have received your referral, and it is being processed.

We aim to see anyone referred to the service within 12-18 weeks. Sometimes this will be slightly longer. You will be advised of actual timescales when our team contacts you for your first appointment.

Some of our clinicians work evenings and weekends, if this is important for you, please tell the team at the time of booking your first appointment. This may affect the length of time that you must wait for your appointment.

Yes, you can choose either, but sometimes this might change the length of time that you wait for an appointment.

You will be asked to complete 3 to 4 self-assessment forms asking about ADHD symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms and about how your ADHD symptoms impair your functioning.

The forms include two informant forms that need to be completed by people that knew you, as a child and as an adult. If you do not know anyone that knew you as a child then our team will provide you with a different form for you to complete.

Sometimes, although you may have a diagnosis, your GP may wish for you to be reviewed, especially if you have not seen any specialist for a period of time. We will see you, and ensure that your treatment is optimised, and also let your GP know.

All of our clinicians are fully qualified, and all of them are experienced with ADHD. We try our best to match you to a clinician that has expertise in your mental health needs.

Yes, all of our clinicians are clinically qualified, and have a wide range of experience with diagnosing ADHD, and prescribing for ADHD.

Usually, we don’t need any specific blood tests before your first appointment. However, if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, it may be useful to have a recent thyroid function blood test, which is less than 12months old, to hand for your first appointment.

Normally, we do not require an ECG before the consultation. Sometimes, patients with a heart (cardiac) history will require an ECG, and we will let you know either before, or during your first appointment.

If our clinician diagnoses you as having ADHD, and you wish to start medication, you will need to have follow-up reviews to ensure that you are on the right dose of medication in the long term. This will be undertaken by our experienced clinicians.

ADHD Medication Titration – Patient Guide

What is titration?

Titration means starting ADHD medication slowly and safely, then adjusting the dose until we find the right balance for you. The goal is to get the best symptom control with the fewest side effects. Your prescriber will stay in touch with you and make small changes if needed.

Everyone responds differently to ADHD medication. Titration helps us work out which medicine works best for you, and the safest and most effective dose.

Patients undergo a programme of titration as soon as the clinician determines your dose is stable, your GP will continue prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement.
ADHD medicines are controlled drugs. They must be started by a specialist. Once you’re stable, your GP can take over.

Because ADHD medicines can affect blood pressure, pulse, and weight:

  • We need baseline checks before starting
  • You’ll check them regularly at home and share results
  • Sometimes extra tests (like ECG or blood tests) are needed for safety
First prescription: given once your checks are complete. Prescriptions are sent electronically – you’ll get a text with a code, which you take (with photo ID) to your local pharmacy.

Some mild side effects (like trouble sleeping, reduced appetite, headaches) are common at first and usually improve.

Please find weblinks for patient leaflets of common ADHD medications that are prescribed.

Contact us (Mon–Fri, 9–5) at harhl.adhd@nhs.net

  • Speak to your pharmacist
  • Call 111 for urgent advice out of hours
  • Call 999 if you have a severe reaction or feel unsafe

We cannot provide emergency support. If you feel unsafe or in crisis, please:

  • Call your local Crisis Line if you have one
  • Contact your GP for an urgent appointment
  • Go to A&E; if you feel you cannot keep yourself safe
  • Call 999 in an emergency
  • Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7)
  • Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)
  • Mind – 0300 123 3393, www.mind.org.uk

ENQUIRIES

Email your enquiries to harhl.adhdenquiries@nhs.net

PATIENT FAQs

Download our patient Frequently Asked Questions leaflet

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RIGHT TO CHOOSE LETTER

Download the Right To Choose letter template to give to your GP:

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