Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition that affects a significant number of children and young people, influencing their daily lives in various ways. Medication, while not a cure, is a vital tool in managing ADHD symptoms, and its benefits can be transformative.
ADHD Medication for Children and Young People
ADHD medication primarily helps in reducing impulsivity, increasing attention span, and improving hyperactivity, thereby enabling children and young people to navigate their day-to-day activities more effectively.
It can enhance their ability to focus, both in academic settings and in other areas of life, leading to improved performance and productivity. This can result in a significant boost to their self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Moreover, these medications can aid in better emotional regulation, helping to manage feelings of restlessness and reducing disruptive behaviours. This can lead to improved relationships with family and peers, and a more harmonious home and school environment.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of ADHD medication can vary among individuals, as everyone has unique needs and responses to treatment.
Some may experience side effects, which can range from mild to severe, and these need to be carefully monitored and managed under the guidance of a clinical professional.
Our ADHD Medication Process
1. Pre-medication checks and suitability
Following your child’s assessment and diagnosis of ADHD and if you are considering medication for your child, our team will initially contact your child’s GP to request a medical summary and ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your child’s health history.
Your child’s information is reviewed by a senior clinician from our prescribing team to see if medication can be safely initiated. In some instances, the clinician may require additional information or investigations before your child can start medication.
2. Initial treatment planning session
We recognise that every child is different and there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to ADHD medication for your child. One of our prescribing team will arrange a suitable time and day for an online appointment with you and your child to discuss the different types and options for ADHD medication.
It’s important to remember that non-medication strategies, treatment and support will also be discussed in this session. Together with the clinician, you will agree on a suitable treatment plan for you and your child.
3. Titration Appointments
Everyone’s ADHD medication journey is different. Your clinician will typically review your medication monthly in an online session. The clinician will ask about how you think the medication is working, any side effects and discuss any potential changes in dosage or medication. You will also be requested to provide your measurements at every appointment – Blood Pressure, Pulse, Weight and Height (children only).
Your clinician will review your medication until it is agreed that you are on the right dose of medication for your ADHD with the least side effects. This is often referred to as ‘optimisation’.
4. Shared Care
When your child’s medication is ‘optimised’, we will ask your child’s GP to continue to prescribe your child’s medication. This is known as ‘shared care’. Throughout your child’s treatment with us, we will communicate regularly with the GP to keep them informed of your child’s treatment and any changes in their management plan. We advise parents/carers to discuss your child’s ADHD treatment and potential shared care with the GP before initiating treatment.
If the GP accepts shared care, your GP will continue to prescribe your child’s monthly ADHD medication. As part of the shared care agreement, we will need to carry out regular medication reviews with you and your child as per the NICE guidelines.
If your child’s GP does not accept shared care, we can continue to prescribe medication for your child every month. We will need to carry out regular medication reviews with you and your child as per the NICE guidelines.
Different Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medications for managing ADHD. They work by increasing the activities of certain brain neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter that modulates our excitability responses and cognitive processes such as analysis and reasoning. It aids in reducing fatigue and irritability, curbing hyperactivity and enhancing focus, which are typical challenges for individuals with ADHD.
Dopamine, another neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in our pleasure and motivation systems. It facilitates the transmission of information from the brain to the body, prompting us to concentrate on a specific, desirable task and heightening the sense of pleasure linked to it.
The side effects of these drugs can vary widely, from reduced appetite and weight loss to mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. Hence, maintaining open communication with your clinician is essential, especially if you consistently experience any significant adverse effects.
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulant ADHD medications have a longer duration of action, requiring only a single daily dose. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals who also suffer from depression due to their anti-depressive properties.
Atomoxetine, often referred to as Strattera, is one of the most frequently used non-stimulant medications. It aids individuals with ADHD by elevating noradrenaline levels, which enhances the number of messages transmitted in the brain, thereby improving concentration and impulse control. Atomoxetine is typically the go-to option when stimulants are either ineffective or not an option.
The side effects of non-stimulant ADHD medication can vary, including reduced appetite, weight loss, and sleep issues. It’s crucial to reach out to us if you consistently encounter any significant adverse effects from your medication.
Our ADHD Medication Packages
Treatment package (up to five appointments)
£600
Includes blood pressure monitor, initial treatment planning session and up to four titration appointments with a designated prescriber to discuss and review medication, issue and distribution of prescriptions, medication letters to your GP and shared care documentation.
Additional treatment review
£150
Additional treatment session to review medication (if needed in addition to treatment package). This appointment may include the issue of a prescription and appointment letter to your GP.
Pre-treatment Consultation (already has a previous ADHD diagnosis)
£250
If your child has already been diagnosed with ADHD and is considering starting medication, this initial consultation will review their diagnosis and explore treatment options. Please note that we require evidence of a formal diagnosis from a NICE-compliant ADHD assessment, along with information from their GP, before beginning treatment. If their previous assessment does not meet our internal standards, we will be unable to proceed with medication initiation.
Medication review
£150
Includes an appointment to review your child’s progress on their medication. We will write a letter to their GP to inform them and will advise of any management plan changes. Please note that changes to medication will require a new treatment package. In accordance with NICE Guidelines and our shared care agreements, children under the age of 10 years old will require quarterly reviews (every 3 months). Children between the ages of 10-18 will require reviews every 6 months.
Repeat prescriptions
£50
If shared care is not accepted by your child’s GP, we can issue monthly prescriptions to you.
Please Note: Medication costs are not included and will be charged directly by the pharmacy. Prices can vary significantly at pharmacies, but we use the Private Pharmacy Group to ensure competitive prices.
Start your journey
To discover more about our ADHD assessment and therapy services and to find out how we can help you today, get in touch with The Owl Centre.
