Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service
The Leeds Adult ADHD Service provides specialist assessment and management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults.
ADHD affects 2-4% of adults and can cause significant issues for people living with the condition. Fortunately, effective treatments are available.
Our service provides assessment for individuals with suspected ADHD. A diagnosis can usually be made after 1-2 appointments with one of our clinicians. Following diagnosis, treatment is offered in the form of medication and non-pharmacological approaches such as group psychoeducation and work to develop new skills.
Where medication is indicated, this typically requires several appointments with a clinician to get to the most effective dose.
Once a diagnosis has been made and treatment started, this treatment is then continued by the General Practitioner under a Shared Care Agreement. Our service will do an annual review of your treatment to ensure that it remains indicated and appropriate.
Our service is run by a small but dedicated team. We do not currently have sufficient resources to meet the demand for our service which is resulting in lengthy waiting times. We are trying to address this and apologise for the issues this may cause you.
Shortage of medicines for ADHD (updated October 2023)
There is a national supply shortage of the medication prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms.
This information has been produced to help you understand the shortage and how it may impact you.
We are asking you to:
- Check how much medication you have.
- Make sure you order your next supply in plenty of time.
- Only order medicine that you need, to help pharmacies manage supplies.
- Try a few different pharmacies in your local area if you cannot obtain your prescription from your usual pharmacy.
This information includes information to help you:
- Manage your supply of medicine so that you are less likely to run out.
- Reduce your dose safely if you are unable to get your medicines.
What medicines are affected by the shortage?
Methylphenidate
- Equasym XL® 10, 20, and 30mg capsules
- Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36mg prolonged-release tablets
- Concerta XL® 54mg prolonged-release tablets
- Xenidate XL® 27mg prolonged-release tablets
Lisdexamphetamine
- Elvanse® 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70mg capsules
- Elvanse® Adult 30, 50 and 70mg capsules
Guanfacine
- Intuniv® 1, 2, 3 and 4mg prolonged-release tablets
Atomoxetine
- Atomoxetine 10mg capsules
- Atomoxetine 25mg capsules
- Atomoxetine 40mg capsules
- Atomoxetine 60mg capsules
Other ADHD products remain available. They may not be suitable for everyone and may not be able to meet the increases in demand. Unfortunately, there may be unavoidable gaps in your treatment.
We have published a news article on this issue which includes frequently asked questions and sources of support.
We have also produced advice for primary care colleagues on the management of ADHD medication shortages.