How GP Shared Care Works
Shared care is discretionary, and arrangements vary by GP practice and HSC Trust. This is how the process works with ADHD Now.
Specialist Diagnosis and Initiation
Medication is only started after assessment and a confirmed diagnosis by a specialist with expertise in ADHD. Safety checks are reviewed before any prescription is issued.
Titration to a Stable Dose
Our Consultant Psychiatrist-led team starts medication at a low dose, with monthly reviews during titration. Most patients reach a stable dose within three months.
Written Shared Care Request
- Formal documented diagnosis
- Clinical history and medication regimen
- Titration records and prescription history
- Weight and blood pressure tracking
- Protocol for ongoing monitoring
Your Decision
If you accept, you issue repeat prescriptions while the specialist clinic retains clinical oversight and conducts annual reviews. If you decline, your patient continues on private prescriptions through our specialist pathway.
Questions About a Patient?
Please call before sending patient details so we can agree a secure way to share them.
About ADHD Now for Clinicians
A Northern Ireland-based, Consultant Psychiatrist-led ADHD service operating under UK clinical governance
Multidisciplinary Team
Consultant Psychiatrists, GMC and HCPC registered professionals, and specialist nurses working collaboratively
Evidence-Based Assessment
Assessment based on DSM-5 criteria, with medication aligned with NICE guidance
Proven Track Record
750+ Google reviews, rated 4.8, across our services on the island of Ireland
UK-Regulated Prescribers
Our Consultant Psychiatrists are GMC-registered and prescribe in line with UK and Northern Ireland clinical guidelines
Our Commitment to GPs
What you can expect from us when you share the care of a patient
Clear Documentation
With consent, we share prescriptions, monitoring readings and a clinical summary with you
Safe Prescribing
Cardiovascular history, blood pressure, mental health screening and current medications reviewed before prescribing
Continued Specialist Oversight
The specialist clinic retains clinical oversight and conducts annual reviews under shared care
Your Decision Respected
Shared care is never assumed. If you decline, your patient can continue on private prescriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common shared care queries from GPs in Northern Ireland
Do patients need a GP referral to access ADHD Now in Northern Ireland?
No. Most adults in Northern Ireland can self-refer and book directly. With the patient's consent, we share copies of prescriptions, monitoring records and a clinical summary with their HSC GP so the wider care team is informed.
Can a GP start ADHD medication without a specialist?
ADHD medication should only be initiated following assessment and diagnosis by a specialist with expertise in ADHD, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Am I obliged to accept a shared care request?
No. GPs are under no contractual obligation to accept shared care requests. The decision depends on individual practice policies and the guidelines established by the local HSC Trust.
Is there a single shared care protocol for Northern Ireland?
No. There is no single standardised protocol across the region. Arrangements are governed by guidelines developed at individual HSC Trust level, so they can vary between Trusts.
What does ADHD Now provide with a shared care request?
A formal written request outlining the clinical history, medication regimen and protocol for ongoing monitoring, supported by titration records showing a stable dose and tolerability, weight and blood pressure tracking, and a comprehensive prescription history.
Who retains clinical oversight under shared care?
The GP assumes responsibility for issuing repeat prescriptions, while the specialist clinic retains clinical oversight and conducts annual reviews.
What happens if I decline shared care?
The prescribing responsibility does not transfer. Your patient continues to receive private prescriptions and clinical reviews directly through the specialist pathway.
Is ADHD Now a private service?
Yes. ADHD Now is a private service and patients pay for their assessment and care. Payment plans are available.
GP Support & Enquiries
How to reach our Northern Ireland team
Working Together for Better ADHD Care
We value working with GPs across Northern Ireland to ensure every patient receives the right care at the right time.