One of the most common concerns for patients seeking a private ADHD assessment in Ireland is the long-term management of their treatment. Specifically, once a diagnosis is made and a medication plan is established, who writes the monthly prescriptions?
In the Irish healthcare system, the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage ADHD medication is through a Shared Care Agreement. This is a formal arrangement where your Consultant Psychiatrist and your local GP work together to oversee your care.
What is a Shared Care Agreement?
A Shared Care Agreement is a protocol that allows your GP to take over the day-to-day prescribing of ADHD medication. Under this agreement:
The Consultant Psychiatrist remains the "clinical lead." They are responsible for the initial diagnosis, starting the medication, and conducting periodic specialist reviews (usually every 6–12 months).
The GP handles the monthly repeat prescriptions and monitors your basic physical health, such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Without this agreement, you would need to return to your private consultant every single month for a new prescription, which can be both expensive and inconvenient.
Why Some GPs Are Hesitant
It is important to understand that a GP is not legally obligated to enter into a Shared Care Agreement. Some GPs may be hesitant to take over ADHD prescriptions for several reasons:
Clinical Responsibility: Since ADHD medications (like stimulants) are controlled substances, some GPs feel they lack the specialist knowledge to manage them without strong consultant support.
Quality of Assessment: GPs need to be confident that the ADHD test in Ireland you received met all clinical standards and was conducted by a Consultant Psychiatrist on the Specialist Register.
Lack of Communication: If a private clinic "diagnoses and disappears" without providing a detailed report, the GP is left in a difficult position.
How to Ensure Your Private Diagnosis is Accepted
To maximize the chances of your GP agreeing to Shared Care, follow these three steps:
1. Talk to Your GP Before the Assessment
Before booking your private ADHD assessment in Ireland, have a brief conversation with your GP. Inform them that you are seeking a private assessment due to HSE wait times and ask: "If I am diagnosed by an IMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrist and stabilized on medication, would you be open to a Shared Care Agreement for my prescriptions?" Most GPs are happy to support this if they know the specialist is reputable.
2. Ensure Clinical Rigour
Your GP will look for specific "trust signals" in your diagnostic report. These include:
Evidence of a developmental history (childhood symptoms).
Use of validated tools like the DIVA-5.
A physical health screening included in the report.
Confirmation that the clinician is a Consultant Psychiatrist, not a general doctor or an overseas-only practitioner.
A GP will rarely take over a prescription the week after you are diagnosed. Usually, the Consultant Psychiatrist must "titrate" the medication first. This means finding the correct dose for you over a period of 2–3 months. Once you are on a stable dose with no significant side effects, the consultant will write a formal Shared Care Request to your GP.
What Happens if My GP Says No?
If your GP declines Shared Care, you still have options:
Private Prescriptions: Your consultant can continue to issue private prescriptions, though you will pay the consultant’s administration fee and the full retail price of the medication at the pharmacy.
A Second Opinion/Different GP: You are entitled to move to a different GP practice that may be more familiar with the HSE National Clinical Programme’s guidelines on shared care.
HSE Transition: You can use your private report to seek a "transfer of care" to a public HSE ADHD team, though you will likely be placed on a waiting list.
Summary
Shared Care is the "gold standard" for private patients in Ireland, providing a bridge between specialist expertise and local convenience. By choosing a reputable, medical-led assessment and keeping your GP informed from day one, you can ensure your ADHD journey is supported by a united healthcare team.
Our Commitment to Shared Care: > We believe in integrated health. Our Consultant Psychiatrists provide detailed, GP-friendly clinical reports and are always available to discuss Shared Care protocols with your local doctor to ensure your treatment is seamless.