ADHD: Let’s Talk Treatment

Southside Psychiatry ADHD Treatment Pathway – Patient Information

Welcome

If you’ve been referred to Southside Psychiatry for assessment and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), this page explains what to expect, including how we work with NHS GPs, the costs involved, and your responsibilities as a patient. Please read it carefully and feel free to refer back to it!

1. The Process – What to Expect

Step 1: Initial Referral & Online Form

Once we’ve received your referral, you’ll be emailed a secure online form to complete. This gathers essential background and helps us prepare for your first appointment.

Step 2: Booking Your Appointment

When your form is returned, our admin team will contact you to arrange an assessment appointment. Appointments are usually face-to-face in our clinic in Clarkston, Glasgow, but video consultations can be arranged.

First Things First!

Before we can begin treatment, we need some information from your GP. To safely prescribe stimulant medication, we require your current GP practice to provide us with a summary of your medical records and current medications. This is an essential step in ensuring safe and responsible prescribing, and it forms part of our commitment to working in partnership with the NHS.

To help speed up the process, you may request this information directly from your GP practice yourself. Alternatively, we can request it on your behalf. If you would like us to do so, please complete the consent form linked below and return it to us by email at info@southpsych.co.uk.

2. Your First Appointment – What’s Involved

Your initial assessment lasts around 60–75 minutes. During this, we will:

  • Discuss your ADHD symptoms and the challenges they create

  • Review your medical and psychiatric history

  • Assess any current medications or comorbid mental health issues

  • Discuss in detail the medication options for treating ADHD, including side effects and benefits

If appropriate, we’ll decide together on a treatment plan and whether a prescription can be issued

⚠️It’s important to remember that we will only ever prescribe medication if it is indicated and safe to do so after a full psychiatric assessment. Stimulant ADHD medications are controlled drugs and subject to careful monitoring. If stimulants are not the right medications for you, we can discuss alternative treatment or therapy options.

3. Prescribing & Shared Care with Your GP

Shared Care Explained

We aim to work collaboratively with your NHS GP under a Shared Care Agreement, where your GP continues to prescribe medication after the initial stabilisation period. We will contact your GP to request this.

Please check in advance whether your GP will agree to Shared Care. This is not guaranteed and varies by practice.

If Shared Care Is Declined

If your GP is unable or unwilling to prescribe, we can provide private prescriptions directly from the clinic.

  • Private prescription costs:

    • First prescription included in the £350 new appointment fee

    • Additional prescriptions issued outside review appointments: £30

  • Pharmacy cost of ADHD medication (private):

    • Typically £70–£100 per month, depending on dose

4. Health Checks Before Starting Medication

Before starting stimulant medication, we require the following baseline checks:

  • Blood pressure

  • Heart rate

  • Weight

These can be done using:

  • A home blood pressure monitor , or

  • Your local pharmacy or GP practice

If needed, you may also be referred for an ECG or blood test if there are any cardiac or metabolic concerns.

5. Follow-Up Appointments & Ongoing Reviews

We will review your progress regularly as we adjust your dose. The typical structure is:

Dose titration-Every 4 weeks-£175/review

Stabilised maintenance-Every 6 months-£175/review

6. Important Consent and Communication Policies

  • We will only prescribe controlled drugs (e.g. stimulants) after obtaining information from your NHS GP

  • We will request your written consent to contact your GP for records before prescribing

  • You may be asked to provide photo ID before controlled medication is issued

  • If we are unable to obtain relevant GP records, Stimulant medication cannot be prescribed

Complaints or Concerns

We value feedback and are committed to improving our service. If you’re unhappy with any aspect of your care:

  • Contact the clinic directly at: info@southpsych.co.uk

  • You may also escalate complaints to:
    Healthcare Improvement Scotland
    Independent Healthcare Team
    Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9EB
    E: his.ihcregulation@nhs.scot