What is ADHD?
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are things you can do to help manage your symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
Not everyone who has suspicions of having ADHD needs to be seen by an ADHD service. Please read the information below to understand your options if you would like to be referred to an ADHD specialist. GPs are unable to make a diagnosis of ADHD or start any ADHD medications. In view of the extremely high demand for Adult ADHD services, please be aware that the waiting times for services can vary.
For Children and Young People
If you need an ADHD assessment for your child under 18:
- Contact their school first – schools can refer directly to North Central London’s Children’s ADHD Service
- Please note there is a parent support group for ADHD – click here to find out more
- GPs do not make ADHD referrals for children – you can find out more here
Getting an ADHD Assessment at the Village Practice
What you need to do; a quick overview:
- Choose your assessment provider from the approved ‘Right to Choose’ list
- Wait for your chosen provider to contact you directly
- Complete our online referral form with details about your concerns
- Fill out the ADHD screening questionnaire we’ll send you
Step 1: Choose Your Assessment Provider
Why Choose?
The standard NHS ADHD service has a long waiting times (often 2+ years). Under NHS “Right to Choose” regulations, you can select an alternative NHS-funded provider that may see you sooner.
We Cannot Recommend Providers. You must research and choose yourself. Each provider has different:
- Eligibility criteria
- Waiting times
- Geographic coverage areas
- Medication prescribing policies
Before You Choose, Check:
- Do you meet their age and eligibility requirements?
- Do they accept patients from Islington/North Central London?
- Can they prescribe medication if you’re diagnosed?
- What’s their current waiting time?
- Do they offer video appointments or require in-person visits?
Don’t just pick the shortest wait – ensure they’re suitable for your needs.
What Happens After Referral
Once we send your referral, all communication goes through your chosen provider. The Village Practice is no longer involved in your care until after assessment.
Step 2: Complete Your Referral
How to Start
Complete our online form with detailed information about your ADHD concerns. We’ll then send you the ADHD screening questionnaire (this will likely come via a text or email).
What Information to Include
Be as detailed as possible – this strengthens your referral:
Your symptoms:
- Specific ADHD symptoms you experience
- When you first noticed them
- How long you’ve had them
Impact on your life:
- How symptoms affect work/education
- Impact on relationships and family life
- Daily living challenges
- Social difficulties
What you’ve tried:
- Self-help strategies
- Previous treatments or support
- Coping mechanisms
Your goals:
- What you hope to gain from diagnosis
- How treatment might help you
Poor referrals get rejected – take time to provide comprehensive information.
The Referral Process
- You submit the online form and screening questionnaire
- We review your information for completeness
- A GP assesses whether you meet referral criteria (may involve a phone consultation)
- We send the referral to your chosen provider
- Your provider contacts you directly with next steps
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
If diagnosed privately: GPs are not required to prescribe private medications or conduct private monitoring.
Shared care arrangements: The Village Practice sometimes accepts shared care with private providers, but this isn’t guaranteed. See below for more details.
What this means: You may need to pay for ongoing medication and monitoring yourself if diagnosed privately.
For urgent mental health concerns: Contact NHS 111 or your local crisis team
Other useful information: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/adhd-and-mental-health/
Shared Care Agreements
For children, we are unable to accept shared care agreements initiated by private providers.
For adults, we require a shared care agreement from either your NHS or private provider before we can prescribe ADHD medication.
Ongoing Care Requirements
If the practice prescribes your ADHD medication, you will need to attend regular medication reviews and annual health checks. These checks may include blood tests, weight monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring.