ADHD changes

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From today, GPs are able to initiate prescribing for newly diagnosed patients with ADHD.

This is a sensible move, waiving considerable wait times for psychiatrists to do so on our behalf. GPs are well able to prescribe for such, as with any other newly diagnosed condition.

This applies to persons over the age of 18, not children.

While we are also able to diagnose ADHD, please do not expect that to happen in most general practice. Firstly it cannot be done in a 15 minute consultation, nor for the cost of such. Secondly, it requires the skill of clinical psychologists to affirm the diagnosis,

Please do not enter a consultation for diagnosis / prescribing, unless the above criteria are met.

Note that clinical psychologist assessment is required ( or psychiatrist ) - NOT some “therapist” with an interest!

12 month prescriptions? - yeah, nah

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There was a purely political decision made, despite objections from the college of GPs & pharmacy, to allow 12-monthly prescriptions to be available from today.

Most GPs take their role in healthcare oversight, with great responsibility, as we do.

There are very few, if any, medications which responsible GPs will prescribe for 12 months without any patient interaction.

This move makes for considerably more work for pharmacies without recompense. It would also lead to more work for GPs on an annual review - which would not be facilitated in a single consultation.

Therefore, please note that we will not, as a general rule be prescribing any differently from the traditional 3 monthly model.

Should there be some prescribing over the 3 month timeframe, the fee for such will include an extra script fee, as an additional patient cost.