You are approaching transition age where we start to prepare transfer of your ADHD care to Adult ADHD Services. This usually starts when you are around 16 years old.

After your routine ADHD medication review at this age, your name will be placed on our ADHD transition waiting list. This helps us to make sure your final transition review takes place when you are 17 years six months.

You will only be referred or transitioned to Adult ADHD Services if you are actively taking prescribed ADHD medication.

What happens at the transition review appointment

Your final transition review with Community Paediatrics will take place when you are approximately 17 years six months.

This appointment includes a medication review. The transitional referral paperwork will also be completed so that it can be sent to the ADHD Adult Service. You, your GP and the Adult ADHD service will all receive a copy.

It is very important that you attend this final review. if you do not attend, we cannot transfer your care for ADHD medication management to the commissioned adult service. Missing the appointment may cause delays in your care, discharge from our service or your medication being stopped.

Please note that no changes will be made to your ADHD medication at the final transition review. This is to make sure you remain safe on your current medication until Adult ADHD Services accept the referral and take over management when you reach your 18th birthday.

After your transition review you will be discharged from Community Paediatrics. However, if you have concerns about your ADHD medication, including side effects or adverse reactions you can still contact us until your 18th birthday. We will offer advice and guidance only.

Mental Capacity

From the age of 16, you may be asked about your mental capacity to consent to ongoing treatment. If your parent or carer does not feel you have capacity to consent and they do not hold lasting power of attorney, we may need to complete a Mental Capacity Assessment. This is a legal requirement.

If you are prescribed Guanfacine (Intuniv)

If you take Intuniv, we may need to discuss whether it is appropriate for you to continue this medication before your final transition review. Intuniv is licensed only for ages six to 17 years. Your clinician will discuss this with you. If it is no longer suitable, Intuniv may be safely deprescribed and an alternative ADHD medication offered if appropriate. In rare cases, there may be specific reasons why you need to remain on Intuniv during transition. If this applies, it will be discussed and managed carefully.

If you are prescribed sleep medication

Adult ADHD Services do not manage sleep or sleep medication. It is important that any sleep medication is deprescribed before you transfer to Adult ADHD Services. If sleep difficulties continue, you will need to discuss this with your GP. If sleep medication is needed, it will be at the GP’s discretion whether they choose to continue prescribing it.