ADHD Medication in the UK: What Happens After Diagnosis?
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can bring a real sense of relief. It often also raises a new question: what about medication?
In brief
- A diagnosis and starting medication are two separate steps.
- ADHD medication has to be started by a specialist, not a GP.
- Your GP may take over prescribing later, but this isn't guaranteed, especially after a private diagnosis.
- Medication is one option among several, and the choice is yours.
This guide explains how ADHD medication works in the UK, who can prescribe it, and what to expect after diagnosis, whether you were assessed through the NHS or privately.
Assessment and treatment are separate steps
It's easy to assume a diagnosis leads straight to a prescription, but they're usually separate.
- An assessment answers the question: is this ADHD? It ends with a diagnosis (or not), a report and recommendations.
- Treatment is what happens next. If medication is an option, it involves health checks, finding the right dose and regular follow-up.
Some services offer both. Others, including many private services, offer assessment only. Before you book anything, it's worth checking which one you're getting, so you know what to expect afterwards.
How ADHD medication works in the UK
Who starts it: ADHD medication must be started by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or specialist prescriber. GPs don't usually start it themselves.
The main types
- Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. These are usually tried first and tend to work quickly.
- Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These can be a good option if stimulants aren't suitable or don't help.
Before starting: you'll have some simple health checks, including blood pressure, pulse and weight, and questions about your heart health and family history.
Finding the right dose (titration): you usually start on a low dose, which is adjusted step by step with regular check-ins. This generally takes a few months. It's normal for it to take time to find what works for you.
Ongoing follow-up: once you're settled, you'll have regular checks, including an annual review, to make sure the medication is still working well and is safe for you.
If your GP takes over prescribing, NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, the standard prescription charge applies unless you qualify for free prescriptions.
Shared care: when your GP takes over
Once your dose is stable, the specialist may ask your GP to take over prescribing. This is called a shared care agreement. Your GP prescribes, and the specialist stays involved for advice and reviews.
Across the UK, shared care isn't automatic
- local NHS areas, such as health boards in Scotland and Wales or Integrated Care Boards in England, can set their own approach
- GPs can choose whether to agree, and some practices don't take part in shared care with private providers
- before agreeing, GPs will want to be confident that your diagnosis, health checks and monitoring meet national standards
This means that after a private diagnosis, you may need to continue with a private prescriber, or ask your GP about an NHS referral for medication, which may involve a wait.
Our tip: if medication is important to you, ask your GP about their shared care policy before you book a private assessment. It helps to know your options from the start.
Medication isn't the only option
Medication helps many people, but it's not right for everyone, and it works best alongside other support. NICE guidelines recommend that everyone with ADHD is offered information and support, whether or not they take medication.
Other options include
- Understanding your ADHD: learning how your brain works can make a big difference to how you see yourself.
- Practical strategies: tools for time, focus, planning and routines that fit how you think.
- Coaching or therapy-based support: help with organisation, emotions or the knock-on effects of years without a diagnosis.
- Adjustments at work or study: your diagnosis and report can help you ask for changes that make things easier.
There's no right or wrong choice. The best plan is the one that works for you.
What happens after a Raiys assessment?
Raiys works nationwide, offering online ADHD assessments to adults across the UK. We currently offer assessment only. Medication isn't included, and we don't currently prescribe.
After your assessment, you'll receive a written report with your outcome and recommendations, which you can view securely in the Raiys app. You can share it with your GP if you'd like to talk about next steps, including medication.
Everyone diagnosed at Raiys can also use BeChange, our digital programme with practical tools and information to help you manage ADHD day to day.
We're planning to offer prescribing in the future. If you'd like to hear when this opens, we can add you to our waiting list.
Thinking about an assessment? Find out more about our adult ADHD assessment.
A diagnosis is the start of understanding yourself better, and there's more than one way to get the support that's right for you.