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ADHD medication and shared care: who prescribes after diagnosis

A diagnosis is not the end of the pathway. Who starts your medicine, and whether your GP will continue it, is one of the most common places people get stuck. These are the official statements.

Docorix read the official pages named on this page on 30 October 2026. This is information, not medical advice, and Docorix is not part of the NHS and cannot make or speed up a referral. Waiting times, caps and provider lists change without notice: confirm with your GP and the provider before you rely on anything here.

What the NHS says

Specialist starts and monitors
ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist.
Source: NHS – ADHD in adults
GP only with an agreement
A GP may be able to take over prescribing, but only if there is a shared care agreement between the GP and the ADHD specialist.
Source: NHS – ADHD in adults
Not everyone needs medicine
The NHS says ADHD can be managed in many ways, including lifestyle changes, changes at work, or medicines.
Source: NHS – ADHD in adults

What NHS boards say

Shared care is voluntary
NHS Devon says entering into a shared care agreement is voluntary for GPs.
Source: NHS Devon – Devon Formulary and Referral, ADHD and Autism FAQ
Providers outside the local pathway
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire says a Right to Choose provider may not integrate with local pathways, which may mean the GP is unable to accept shared care.
Source: NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire – Right to Choose (ADHD/ASD Patient Choice)
Norfolk and Suffolk
NHS Norfolk and Suffolk says its listed adult ADHD providers can prescribe ADHD medication following a positive diagnosis, in addition to undertaking annual reviews.
Source: NHS Norfolk and Suffolk – ADHD assessment guidance (Norfolk and Waveney)
Essex
NHS Essex lists, among what its adult ADHD providers deliver, entering into shared care agreements with GPs for ongoing prescribing.
Source: NHS Essex – Adult autism and ADHD specialist service providers

What the ADHD Taskforce summary says

Few people get medication
It says only 25% of children and 15% of adults with ADHD get medication.
Source: NHS England – Plain English summary of the ADHD Taskforce report (9 December 2025)
A bigger role for GPs
It recommends the Department of Health and Social Care support GP practices to take on some parts of ADHD care.
Source: NHS England – Plain English summary of the ADHD Taskforce report (9 December 2025)

Questions to ask a provider before you choose

These are Docorix’s suggested questions, based on the statements above. They are not an official checklist.

Do you prescribe?
Will you start ADHD medication if I am diagnosed, or only assess and diagnose?
Do you do shared care?
Do you work with GPs under shared care agreements, and do you have one with my area’s NHS board?
Reviews
How often will I be reviewed, and who monitors my medicine if my GP will not?

Next

Sources

NHS – ADHD in adultsNHS Devon – Devon Formulary and Referral, ADHD and Autism FAQNHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire – Right to Choose (ADHD/ASD Patient Choice)NHS Norfolk and Suffolk – ADHD assessment guidance (Norfolk and Waveney)NHS Essex – Adult autism and ADHD specialist service providersNHS England – Plain English summary of the ADHD Taskforce report (9 December 2025)