GPs: Diagnosis & Care of the Adrenal Insufficiency Patient, including Addison's disease This guide, updated in October 2025, brings together two existing leaflets around the GP role in both the diagnosis and effective management of adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease. It has been developed by the ADSHG and reviewed by our Clinical Advisory Panel (ACAP), led by Professor John Wass. This leaflet covers the following information, taking into account the NICE Guidelines for the Identification & Management of Adrenal Insufficiency: An overview of Adrenal Insufficiency: Addison's disease (Primary AI), Secondary AI and Tertiary AI The Role of the GP Emergency Management of Adrenal Crisis Diagnosis, Screening and Referral to Secondary Care Patient support Medication Management Preventing Adrenal Crisis through Patient Education Follow up Care The Clinical Advisory Panel (CAP) is a group of endocrinology specialists with an interest in adrenal medicine. It advises the ADSHG on medical matters. This leaflet was authored by the ADSHG with review by the Clinical Panel. Special thanks in particular go to: Prof John Wass, Churchill Hospital, Oxford; Prof Simon Pearce Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle; Lisa Shepherd, Endocrine Specialist Nurse, Birmingham, and Dr D Gompertz, GP based in Somerset. Working with your GP If you need support or advice on how to work with your GP for the most effective management of your condition, check out our Support page which includes information on: Prescription management Making the most of your GP appointment Signposting your GP to more information on adrenal insufficiency Working with your GP GP Education E-Modules This poster is an A4 printout to let your GP know about the CPD education modules available on Addison's and adrenal insufficiency. The poster provides information on both the RCGP module and BMJ Learning module. Please share this with your GP to help improve awareness and understanding of Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency. If you are a GP yourself, why not print out and display as a poster in your staff room to let others know about these courses. This poster has been created by the ADSHG as a resource for patients to share with their medical professionals. GP Poster download Other Resources Consultation Reference Guide: the Society for Endocrinology and ADSHG Consultation Reference Guide is a useful resource for diagnosis, generally within Secondary Care (what tests to undergo and what they mean) as well as for follow up reviews, treatment planning and monitoring. This Guide is intended for general guidance and may not apply to all patients or local services so please check and discuss with your endocrine team. YouTube video: watch our 2 minute video 'Diagnosis & Management of Addison's Disease' made in collaboration with CoMCS If you're a healthcare professional looking to learn more about Addison's and adrenal insufficiency, visit our medics page for more resources to support you and your patients. Last updated: Nov 2025 Manage Cookie Preferences