In January 2025, the NHS said some GP practices will stop prescribing ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) medications for their patients. Heidi joined us on our podcast to share her experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and what the changes to prescriptions means for her wellbeing and career.
Heidi has been working as a police officer for 25 years and faced challenges throughout her life that she didn’t have an explanation for until she went to see the Force Medical Officer two years ago. He suggested that she get tested for ADHD, which she did through a private diagnosis route. At age 52 Heidi felt that she only had another five years working so she didn’t want to wait four to seven years for an NHS diagnosis. Once she received her diagnosis, she went through the titration period privately as well – this is where you try out different medications to see what type and what dose works best for you.
The police have offered Heidi support at work with reasonable adjustments such as special headphones, support networks and the type of role she works in. Heidi found ADHD medication that works for her and this has enabled her to concentrate and work more efficiently. Speaking about her diagnosis she said: ‘If I’d known this 52 years ago, how much easier life could have been.’ Receiving her diagnosis and going on medication changed her life for the better.
However, things changed in January when Heidi received a letter saying that her GP would be transferring her ADHD prescribing back to where she was diagnosed. As she was diagnosed privately, she will have to pay private prescription fees, which are significantly higher than NHS prescription fees. Previously, her GP was only signing the prescription for her ADHD medication alongside signing for her other repeat prescriptions – all of her other ADHD care was still under the private ADHD psychiatrist.
Heidi expressed worries about what this change will mean for her. She is not able to afford to pay several hundred pounds every month for this medication and has started rationing her medication, saving it for the days where she needs the most clarity. She worries about being able to perform well at work, especially when providing evidence in court or dealing with sensitive topics. She is also concerned about the effects it will have on her relationships. She is now looking to get a second diagnosis through NHS pathways just so that she can access the medication at the NHS prescription cost.
Heidi said: ‘I’ve had a taste, you know, a two year taste of how good things can be. And I am being selfish. I don’t want to lose that. I want to be a good person. I want to achieve.’
You can listen to the podcast on Spotify or YouTube, or watch Heidi’s TikToks.
If you have also been affected by these changes and would like to access support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team. Alongside Healthwatch Suffolk we have been exploring people’s experiences with these prescription changes and will be sharing our findings in the coming months.