HARLEY MIND CARE® PSYCHIATRISTS
Child/Adolescent ADHD

Transparency on cost is consistently what parents say they want before booking

Yes — Harley Mind Care offers an instalment plan for families who need to spread the cost. Please contact us before booking to discuss the options available. https://www.harleymindcare.com/instalment-plan/

On what the £1,245 covers: this is the complete fee for a child or adolescent ADHD assessment. It includes the pre-assessment questionnaires (Conners 4 parent, teacher, and self-report forms), the clinical assessment with a consultant child psychiatrist (60–90 minutes), the feedback session, the full written diagnostic report, the first prescription at no additional cost if medication is recommended, and a free shared care agreement letter to your GP. Lifetime access to the Harley Mind Care patient portal is also included.

Many families tell us that getting answers quickly was transformative — not just for their child, but for the whole family. The cost of waiting — in terms of a child falling further behind, losing confidence, and struggling without support — is also real, even if it is harder to put a number on.

If cost is a concern, please speak to us before ruling it out. We would rather find a way to make this work for your family than have a child go without an assessment they need.

Yes. A diagnostic report from a CQC-registered clinic such as Harley Mind Care, produced by a consultant psychiatrist or paediatrician, can be submitted as supporting evidence for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) application. We recommend checking with your local authority as requirements can vary.

Yes. At Harley Mind Care you can self-refer directly without a GP referral. Simply book online or call 020 7047 8888. We do recommend informing your GP that you are seeking a private assessment, as this helps with onward care and shared care arrangements following diagnosis.

An understandable concern, especially for younger or anxious children

The assessment has two distinct parts and your involvement differs in each. In the parent interview — which covers your child's developmental history, behaviour across settings, and your observations — you are a central part of the process. We want to hear from you in detail.

For the one-to-one session with your child, we ask parents not to be present in the room. Children often present differently when a parent is watching, and we need to observe your child's natural responses. Your child may need you for the first minute or two to settle — that is completely fine. You will remain nearby throughout.

If your child has additional needs that make separation particularly difficult — significant anxiety, autism alongside ADHD, or a very young age — please let us know before the assessment so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Co-occurrence is the norm, not the exception

Yes, and it is more common than many parents realise. Research shows that around 50–70% of autistic children also meet criteria for ADHD. The two conditions share overlapping features — difficulty with attention, emotional dysregulation, social challenges — which can make disentangling them complex.

Our consultant will consider both possibilities during the assessment regardless of your initial referral reason. ADHD primarily affects attention regulation and impulse control; autism primarily involves differences in social communication, sensory processing, and rigid or repetitive patterns of behaviour.

If significant autistic traits are identified alongside ADHD, our consultant will discuss whether a separate autism assessment is indicated. Harley Mind Care offers autism assessments for children and adolescents — so both pathways can be supported here.

Tell us about any sensory sensitivities, communication differences, rigid routines, or social difficulties — even if you have assumed they are just part of your child's personality. Everything is relevant.

No	Description
1	Many GPs currently show hesitancy in accepting shared care agreements, even those involving patients referred under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. This often highlights a disparity in accepting follow-up and aftercare arrangements between private entities' physical and mental health services.
2	I would advise anyone considering private assessments to discuss these possibilities with their GP beforehand. This ensures that you are fully informed about potential outcomes regarding shared care arrangements.
3	Many GPs currently show hesitancy in accepting shared care agreements, even those involving patients referred under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. This often highlights a disparity in accepting follow-up and aftercare arrangements between private entities' physical and mental health services.

Yes. We offer ADHD and autism assessments for children and young people, delivered by consultant child psychiatrists and paediatricians. Assessments are available virtually and cover the full diagnostic process including parent and teacher input, with a written report suitable for schools, GPs, and local authorities.

Yes. All our assessments are available virtually via secure video consultation, allowing patients across the UK to access our services from home. Virtual assessments follow the same clinical process as in-person appointments and result in the same full written diagnostic report.

Many families with insurance do not think to check before paying out of pocket

Possibly — and it is worth checking before you pay out of pocket. We work with major UK health insurers, and some policies do cover ADHD or neurodevelopmental assessments for children. Vitality Health, for example, has a specific ADHD and autism pathway that Harley Mind Care works within.

The key is to check with your insurer before booking, not after. Ask specifically whether your policy covers child psychiatry or paediatric psychiatry, ADHD diagnostic assessments, and whether pre-authorisation is required. Some policies cover the assessment but not titration or ongoing medication management.

Please call us on 020 7047 8888 or email hello@harleymindcare.com before booking and tell us your insurer. We can advise on whether we are recognised by your plan and what the likely coverage might look like — so there are no surprises.

Do not assume your policy does not cover this. Many parents discover it does. One call before booking can save you the full fee.

No	Description
1	Please visit our website at www.harleymindcare.com
2	Select Book an Appointment.
3	Choose ADHD Consultation.
4	Select Child/Adolescent ADHD Assessment – Virtual.
5	Click Next.
6	Choose a Dr from the list of available doctors.
7	Select a date and time that works for you.
8	Complete the payment process.

---

Parents ask this in the days before their appointment

We recommend being honest with your child, calibrated to their age. Children who are prepared tend to engage better and feel less anxious on the day than those brought along without understanding why.

For younger children (under 10): keep it simple. "We are going to meet a doctor who helps understand how different brains work. They will want to talk to you and ask you some questions." You do not need to use the word ADHD unless they already know it.

For older children and teens: most already suspect something. Saying "we are going to see someone who can help us understand why some things feel harder for you than they seem to for others" tends to land well. Teens respond better to being included in the process rather than having it done to them.

One important note: please do not coach your child on what to say or try to suppress their behaviour beforehand. We need to see an accurate picture of how they are, not a performance.

Do not worry if your child is nervous or unhappy about coming. Our consultants are experienced at working with children who are not thrilled to be there.

Almost every parent asks this at the feedback stage

The worry about labelling is natural — but the evidence consistently points the other way. Children who understand their diagnosis almost always do better than those kept in the dark. The label does not create the difficulty; it explains it. And explanations are profoundly relieving for children who have been quietly wondering why certain things feel harder for them.

For younger children, frame it around brain differences rather than deficits: "Your brain is wired in a really interesting way — it is brilliant at some things and needs a bit more support with others." For older children and teens, many feel immediate relief — finally having a name for something they have struggled with silently.

Avoid framing it as something that needs to be fixed. The goal is self-understanding. We will always spend time with you in the feedback session discussing how to have this conversation with your specific child.

Practical guidance parents rarely receive alongside a diagnosis

Start with the SENCO — not the class teacher, and not a general email to the school office. Request a meeting specifically to share the diagnostic report and discuss what support will be put in place. Bring the written report from us and highlight the recommendations section.

Schools are legally required under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for children with a disability. ADHD qualifies. Reasonable adjustments can include: preferential seating away from distractions, written instructions alongside verbal ones, extended time for tasks, movement breaks, a quiet space for tests, and more frequent check-ins from a key adult.

If you want exam access arrangements — extra time in GCSEs, for example — apply through the school's exams officer as early as possible. Our diagnostic report provides the clinical evidence that supports these applications.

Our written reports include a recommendations section specifically designed to be shared with schools. If you know in advance what support you are hoping to secure, let us know and we can ensure the report addresses it directly.

NHS waiting times vary significantly by region. For ADHD assessments, waits range from 5 weeks to over 10 years for children, and 12 weeks to over 10 years for adults according to a 2023 ADHD UK report. Private assessment at Harley Mind Care bypasses these waits entirely.

Often driven by an urgent school or EHCP deadline

You will receive a verbal summary of findings at the feedback session at the end of the assessment — so you know the key outcome on the day itself and are not left waiting.

The full written report — which includes clinical history, assessment findings, diagnostic conclusion, and detailed recommendations — is typically delivered within 2 to 3 weeks of the assessment date. This reflects the time our consultants need to write a thorough, personalised report.

If you need the report urgently for a school meeting, EHCP application deadline, or GP appointment, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate an expedited timeframe.

Letters to schools, GP covering letters, and additional copies of the report can be requested at any time through your secure Harley Mind Care patient portal.

Harley Mind Care is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and recognised by major private health insurers. Our assessments are conducted by consultant psychiatrists and Paediatricians who work within NHS frameworks and to NHS-accepted standards. This means our diagnostic reports are generally accepted by GPs and NHS services for onward care, shared care agreements, and medication management — though acceptance can vary by GP practice and ICB area.

For many people, yes. NHS waiting times for psychiatric assessment can exceed several years in some areas. Private assessment at Harley Mind Care means you are seen by a senior consultant psychiatrist, typically within weeks, with a full written report provided. This can be life-changing for people who have been waiting years for an ADHD or autism diagnosis.

Secondary school transition is the most common trigger for late-identified ADHD

Now is an excellent time — and arguably one of the most important windows. Secondary school transition is one of the most common triggers for ADHD that was previously manageable to suddenly become unmanageable. The demands on independent organisation, self-directed study, managing multiple teachers and subjects, and navigating far more complex social dynamics are exactly the areas where ADHD creates the most difficulty.

Children who coped in primary school with the support of a single teacher and a structured routine often hit a wall at Year 7. It does not mean the ADHD was not there before — it means the environment changed enough to expose it.

Getting a diagnosis before or shortly after the transition means support can be put in place at the new school from the outset, rather than waiting until things have already gone wrong.

If your child is in Year 5 or 6 and you have concerns, do not wait. Getting support established before secondary school starts is significantly easier than retrofitting it after a difficult first year.

One of the most common things parents say before booking

Yes — and this contrast between school and home is one of the most clinically meaningful patterns we see. What you're describing has a name: masking. Many children with ADHD expend enormous effort holding themselves together in structured environments like school, and then completely decompress — often explosively — once they're home and feel safe enough to let go.

Teachers saying "we don't see it here" does not mean there's nothing to assess. It means your child is working very hard to appear neurotypical in public. That effort is exhausting and unsustainable, and it often catches up with children in adolescence when demands increase sharply.

At Harley Mind Care, we look at your child's functioning across all settings — home, school, social situations, and unstructured time. Your account as a parent carries equal clinical weight to the school questionnaire.

Our pre-assessment Conners 4 questionnaires collect input from you as a parent AND from a teacher — so we can compare presentations across settings. Differences between the two accounts are themselves clinically informative.

A common point of confusion — the two roles answer different questions

It depends what you are hoping to achieve. An educational psychologist (EP) assessment maps your child's cognitive profile and identifies learning needs — it is valuable. However, educational psychologists cannot diagnose ADHD and cannot prescribe medication. They are not medical doctors.

At Harley Mind Care, assessments are conducted by consultant child psychiatrists/paediatricians— medically qualified doctors who can make a clinical ADHD diagnosis, recommend medication if appropriate, initiate prescriptions, and set up a shared care agreement with your GP. These are fundamentally different things to what an EP provides.

If your child already has an EP report, please share it with us before the assessment. It is genuinely useful background and can shorten some of the history-gathering. But it does not replace a psychiatric diagnostic assessment.

An EP report and a psychiatric assessment complement each other — they answer different questions. If you have one, bring it. We will use it.

ADHD and anxiety are the most common co-occurring pairing in children

Often the anxiety is not separate from the ADHD — it is a consequence of it. Years of struggling to focus, falling behind, feeling different from peers, and being told off for things you cannot control reliably produce anxiety. In many children, treating the underlying ADHD reduces the anxiety significantly.

It is also worth knowing that anxiety and ADHD can look similar on the surface — both cause difficulty concentrating, irritability, and avoidance of tasks. A proper diagnostic assessment considers both possibilities and helps distinguish what is driving what.

You do not need to choose which to assess first. Our consultants are trained in diagnosing and treating co-occurring conditions. If both ADHD and anxiety are present, the assessment will capture that, and the treatment plan will address both.

Please tell us about all anxiety symptoms at the outset. The full picture — including mental health, sleep, and emotional regulation — shapes both the diagnosis and the recommendations.

A myth that costs families months of unnecessary delay

This is not accurate. JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) rules — which govern exam access arrangements in England — require a diagnosis from a specialist qualified to diagnose, and evidence of need gathered within the school context. They do not specify NHS versus private.

Harley Mind Care is CQC-registered, and our assessments are conducted by consultant psychiatrists/paediatricians — exactly the kind of specialist qualified to make a clinical ADHD diagnosis for the purposes of exam access. The report we produce meets the evidential requirements for JCQ applications.

What schools sometimes mean is that they need the SENCO's own Form 8 alongside supporting evidence, and that evidence of in-classroom impact is as important as the clinical diagnosis. We provide the clinical side; the school provides the educational evidence of impact. Both are required together.

If a school tells you they need an NHS diagnosis specifically, ask them to point you to the JCQ regulation that states this. It does not exist. A diagnosis from a registered consultant psychiatrist/paediatrician is sufficient.

ADHD in girls is consistently underdiagnosed

Yes. The "bouncing off walls" picture of ADHD is predominantly male and predominantly hyperactive. Girls are far more likely to present with the inattentive subtype: daydreaming, losing track of conversations, forgetting things, struggling to start or finish tasks, and feeling internally chaotic while appearing outwardly calm.

Girls also tend to be significantly better at masking. They watch their peers and imitate social behaviour in ways that boys often do not, which means teachers and even parents may not spot what is happening. What gets noticed instead — eventually — is anxiety, low self-esteem, or a child who seems to be trying hard but never quite keeping up.

Our consultants are experienced in identifying ADHD in girls, including presentations that have been missed for years. If you have a nagging feeling that something is not quite right, that instinct is worth investigating properly.

ADHD in girls is not rare — it is underrecognised. A quiet, disorganised child who is falling through the cracks deserves the same thorough assessment as one who cannot sit still.

What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. Psychiatrists have completed medical school and additional training in psychiatry. They can prescribe medication, conduct physical examinations, and order lab tests. What Can Psychiatrists Do?

• Diagnose mental health conditions.
• Prescribe medications.
• Provide psychotherapy (though not all do).
• Conduct physical exams and order tests.

What Psychiatrists Cannot Do:

• Provide long-term psychotherapy sessions in the same depth as psychologists or psychotherapists, due to their primary focus on medical aspects.

What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a professional who studies the mind and behaviour. They often hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology. Psychologists are trained in psychological testing, assessment, and therapy. What Can Psychologists Do?

• Conduct psychological assessments and tests.
• Provide psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, etc.).
• Develop treatment plans for mental health issues.
• Conduct research and teach at academic institutions.

What Psychologists Cannot Do:

• Prescribe medication (except in a few jurisdictions with additional training and licensure).
• Perform medical exams or order medical tests.

What is a Psychotherapist?

A psychotherapist is a general term for professionals trained to treat mental health issues through therapy. This term can include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counsellors, and other trained professionals. The specific qualifications can vary widely. What Can Psychotherapists Do?

• Provide various forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy, cognitive therapy, etc.).
• Help clients understand and manage mental health conditions.
• Work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community centres.

What Psychotherapists Cannot Do:

• Prescribe medication (unless they are also psychiatrists).
• Perform medical exams or order lab tests (unless they have additional medical training).

Comparing Roles: What Each Can and Cannot Do

Prescribing Medication:

• Psychiatrists: Yes
• Psychologists: No (except in special cases)
• Psychotherapists: No

Conducting Therapy:

• Psychiatrists: Yes, but often limited
• Psychologists: Yes, extensively
• Psychotherapists: Yes, extensively

Performing Medical Exams:

• Psychiatrists: Yes
• Psychologists: No
• Psychotherapists: No

Conducting Psychological Testing:

• Psychiatrists: Sometimes
• Psychologists: Yes
• Psychotherapists: Sometimes (depending on qualifications)

By understanding these distinctions, patients can make more informed decisions about which mental health professional may best suit their needs.

---

Requirements for Adult ADHD Assessment

No	Requirement	Brief Description
1	Blood Pressure, Pulse Weight and Height Form	Records vital statistics of the patient.
2	ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist	A self-assessment tool for ADHD symptoms.
3	Adult ADHD Informant Report	A report filled by someone who knew the patient before they were 12.
4	ADHD Cardiac Health Questions	Assesses the cardiac health of the patient.
5	Wender Utah Rating Scale for ADHD	A psychological test that assesses ADHD symptoms.
6	ADHD Self-Report Scale	Another self-assessment tool for ADHD symptoms.
7	PHQ9 and GAD7	Standardised self-report scales for identifying depression and anxiety.
8	Upload the patient's ID and proof of address from the last 3 months.	Verifies the identity and current address of the patient.

---

Requirements for Child/Adolescent ADHD Assessment

No	Requirement	Description
1	Blood Pressure, Pulse Weight and Height Form	Records vital statistics of the patient.
2	Conners 4 - Parent Form Response	This is completed online by a teacher who knows the patient.
3	Conners 4 - Teacher Form Response	This is completed online by a teacher who knows the patient.
4	Conners 4 - Self-Report Form Response	This is completed online by the patient.
5	Childhood Behaviour Scale - Self-Report	A self-assessment tool.
6	Upload the ID of the parent/guardian and Proof of Address in the last 3 months	Verifies the identity and current address of the patient's parent/guardian.
7	Upload the ID of the Patient.	Verifies the identity of the patient.

Private care offers several advantages over NHS pathways for ADHD Assessments. These include quicker diagnosis and treatment, more scheduling flexibility, and personalised care options. However, the initial costs of private care are higher, and NHS coverage may vary depending on GP cooperation.

One of the significant challenges with NHS pathways is the long waiting times for ADHD assessments. As per a report from October 2023¹, there are significant variations in waiting times across the country. For children, the waiting time varies from 5 weeks to a devastating 5 years. For adults, the variation is equally stark – it varies from 12 weeks to over 10 years¹.

Consultation Type	Pros	Cons
Virtual Consultations	Convenience: Can be done from the comfort of your home. Efficiency: Ideal for initial assessments and follow-ups.	Limited Scope: Connection problems, software glitches, or hardware failures can disrupt or even prevent virtual meetings, causing frustration and delays.
In-Person Consultations	Comprehensive: Allows for a thorough evaluation. Personalised: Can be tailored to your preferences.	Less Convenient: Requires travel and scheduling time.

Parents see it listed in the requirements but rarely know what it is

The Conners 4 is a standardised rating scale — one of the most widely used and clinically validated tools for assessing ADHD in children and adolescents. It comes in three versions: one completed by you as a parent, one by a teacher, and one by the child themselves if old enough. These three perspectives are then compared.

It covers inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, executive functioning, and peer relations. It also screens for anxiety and mood difficulties that commonly co-occur with ADHD. Results are scored against age and gender norms — so we can see not just whether certain behaviours are present, but whether they are present to a degree that is clinically significant for your child's age group.

The Conners 4 generates a profile rather than a single number. This means our consultants can see which specific domains are most affected — which shapes both the diagnosis and the personalised recommendations in the report.

Please complete the questionnaires based on how your child actually is — not on their best days. The accuracy of the assessment depends on an honest picture.

Following your assessment you will receive a full written diagnostic report. If ADHD medication is recommended, your first prescription is provided at no additional cost. We can also arrange a shared care agreement with your GP, allowing medication to be managed on the NHS going forward. Our reports are accepted by schools, employers, local authorities, and GP practices.

A question parents are afraid to ask but need to know the answer to

A thorough assessment always has value — even when the outcome is not a diagnosis. If our consultant concludes that your child does not meet the criteria for ADHD, you will receive a clear explanation of what they found, why the diagnostic threshold was not met, and what the difficulties you are observing are most likely to reflect instead.

In many cases where ADHD is not the primary diagnosis, assessments reveal something equally important: significant anxiety, processing differences, emotional dysregulation, or traits consistent with autism that warrant further investigation. You leave with answers, not just a negative result.

If a different condition is identified or suspected, our consultant will outline the appropriate next steps — whether that is a further autism assessment, a mental health referral, or recommendations for school support.

Knowing that something is not ADHD is clinically valuable. It rules out one pathway and points toward the right one. We will always tell you what we think is going on.

An ADHD Medication Review is a comprehensive process to evaluate and optimise your current ADHD treatment plan. Whether you or your child are new to our clinic or transitioning care from another provider, this review ensures that medication and treatment align with your current needs and health goals.

Here are the key aspects of our ADHD Medication Review process:

1. Process of Transfer of Care:
   • We will need the original diagnostic report and any existing medical records from your current healthcare provider, including any records from your GP.
   • After reviewing these documents, a virtual assessment with one of our psychiatrists will be scheduled.
   • During this assessment, we will evaluate your current treatment plan, including the medication you are using, and determine whether any adjustments are necessary, depending on availability and suitability.
2. Costs:
   • The ADHD medication review, including the first prescription, costs £300.
   • We partner with CloudRx, a pharmacy that provides real-time updates on available medications, especially amid the current global shortage of ADHD medication.
   • Please note that Harley Mind Care has no financial interest in any medication purchased through CloudRx.
3. Timeline:
   • We understand that ADHD treatment is time-sensitive. Once we receive the necessary medical reports, we can schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent delays in care.
4. Next Steps:
   • To book an appointment for an ADHD medication review, visit our website at www.harleymindcare.com and follow these steps:
     • Select "Book an Appointment."
     • Choose "ADHD & Autism Consultation."
     • Select "Adult Medication Assessment – Virtual."
     • Pick a convenient date and time with one of our psychiatrists.
     • Complete the payment process online.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with booking, please feel free to contact us. We are here to support you and ensure your ADHD treatment continues smoothly.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, though they frequently co-occur. ADHD primarily affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Autism affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavioural flexibility. A thorough assessment by a consultant psychiatrist can identify one or both conditions where present.

No	Description	Cost	Time
1	A virtual Child/Adolescent ADHD assessment 1. This includes a full report, including diagnosis and treatment plan. 2. The first free medication prescription. 3. A free Shared Care Agreement with your GP (if required).	£1,245	60-90 Mins
2	Following diagnosis, medication titration involves follow-up consultations costing. £150 - £325 per 15-minute session. Titration can last between 8 and 12 weeks and potentially require multiple visits, depending on your response. to the medication. Our goal is to complete this process as quickly and safely as possible.	£150 - £325	15 Mins
3	ADHD medication, being a controlled substance, requires a monthly prescription. If the patient isn’t transferred to the NHS under a shared care agreement, there will be an approximate monthly cost of £45 per repeat prescription.	£45 per month
4	According to the NICE guidelines, the treatment response for all ADHD drugs should be reviewed annually at £590 per 30-minute session. (This review includes a comprehensive assessment of clinical needs, benefits, and side effects, taking into account the views of the patient and carers, the effect of missed doses, planned dose reductions, and brief periods of no treatment.)	£590 every 12 Months	30 mins

---

Once you have subscribed to our secure portal at Harley Mind Care, you will have access for life. We will provide the following services.

No	Type	Patient Portal Lifetime benefits
1	Patient Portal	You will have access to view and upload documents, billing activity, reports, and Educational resources (see below)
2	Automated Reminders	We will send out automated reminders for appointments, questionnaires, and 12-monthly reviews.
3	Educational Resources	We will upload educational videos on managing ADHD and pamphlets to assist you in things like monitoring your blood pressure and other health-related matters.
4	Communications	Portal, Email, Telephone, WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger.

Medication Titration: Understanding the Process

No	Description
1	Medication titration for ADHD is a personalised process designed to identify the most effective medication and dosage for each individual. This process begins once a treatment plan has been agreed upon. When starting on new controlled drugs for ADHD, the medication titration process is crucial.
2	The titration period is characterised by a series of regular, brief follow-ups with your Consultant Psychiatrist. These follow-ups allow for the monitoring and evaluation of the individual’s response to the treatment.
3	Titration involves gradually adjusting the dosage of the medication to find the most effective dose with the fewest side effects. This process requires close monitoring and communication with your Consultant Psychiatrist.
4	Given the unique nature of each individual’s response to medication, it’s challenging to predict the exact number of follow-ups required. Typically, this process involves between 3 to 5 follow-ups, but this can vary based on the individual’s response.
5	Titration can last between 8 and 12 weeks and potentially require multiple visits, depending on your response. to the medication. Our goal is to complete this process as quickly and safely as possible.
6	It’s important to note that General Practitioners (GPs) often review the frequency and number of these follow-ups before accepting a Shared Care Proposal. If they find the titration process unsatisfactory, they have the right to decline to take over the care on the NHS.

Initial Dosage and Adjustment:

No	Description
1	It’s important to note that when medication is started, sometimes the dosage could be too low to have an effect. It is crucial to let the doctor know as soon as possible - perhaps after 3 or 4 days. This will allow for timely adjustments and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
2	Many patients report feeling a sense of clarity and improved organisational skills once the medication reaches an optimal level.

Target Symptoms of ADHD Medications

ADHD medications aim to improve several core symptoms:

No	Type	Description
1	Inattention	You may notice an increase in your ability to focus, concentrate, and complete tasks.
2	Hyperactivity	There might be a reduction in excessive movements and fidgeting.
3	Impulsivity	You could experience better control over your actions, emotions and a decrease in impulsive behaviours.

Potential Side Effects and What to Watch For

While ADHD medications can be highly effective, they can also cause side effects. It's important to be aware of these and report them to your Consultant Psychiatrist

Common Side Effects

No	Description
1	Appetite loss
2	Insomnia
3	Dry mouth
4	Headaches
5	Stomach-aches

Less Common, but Serious Side Effects

No	Description
1	Increased heart rate or blood pressure
2	Mood changes, including increased irritability, anger or nervousness
3	Small increase risk of psychosis & or tics

Monitoring Emotional Changes

It's important to monitor for any changes in mood or behaviour, especially during the initial titration period. Some patients may experience an increase in anger or irritability. Loved ones should be aware of this possibility and provide support and understanding during this time.

Tips for Managing Side Effects

No	Description	Action
1	Appetite loss	Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and opt for nutrient-dense foods.
2	Insomnia	Maintain a consistent sleep routine, avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, take your ADHD medication early in the morning so that it wears off by the evening and create a relaxing bedtime environment.
3	Dry mouth	Drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum, or use over-the-counter saliva substitutes.
4	Headaches	Ensure proper hydration, take breaks from screens, and use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (after consulting with your Consultant Psychiatrist).
5	Stomach-aches	Take medication with food and avoid spicy or greasy foods.

Requesting a New Prescription

No

Description

1

To ensure a seamless continuation of your treatment, please request any new prescription at least 7 days before your current medication supply runs out. This time frame allows your Doctor to thoroughly review your current treatment's effectiveness, discuss any necessary adjustments or alternative options, and then issue and send the new prescription. This process ensures that the pharmacy has adequate time to dispense your medication, preventing any gaps in your treatment.

Communicating with Your Consultant Psychiatrist

Regular follow-up appointments are essential during the titration process. Keep a journal of your symptoms, side effects, and any changes in behaviour. Share this information with your healthcare provider to help them adjust your dosage effectively. 

Support from Loved Ones 

Inform your family and close friends about the potential for mood changes, such as increased irritability or anger. Their understanding and support can be invaluable during this period. Encourage them to be patient and provide a calm, supportive environment.

Final Thoughts

Starting new controlled drugs for ADHD can be a transformative experience, leading to significant improvements in attention, focus, and overall functioning. However, the titration process requires careful monitoring and communication with your Psychiatrist. By understanding potential side effects and seeking support from loved ones, you can navigate this period more smoothly and achieve the best possible outcome.

If you have any concerns, contact your Psychiatrist.

If you experience severe side effects or a rash, contact emergency services immediately and stop your medication. Your safety and well-being are the top priorities. Your Psychiatrist can explore other alternatives with you.

We work with major UK health insurers. Please contact us on 020 7047 8888 or email hello@harleymindcare.com before booking to confirm whether your specific policy covers the assessment you require, as coverage varies by plan and insurer.

Our clinic issues prescriptions, which are filled by external pharmacies. Each order incurs a separate charge from the pharmacy, providing you with the most effective and current medications. Rest assured that our clinic has no financial incentives tied to your medication purchases from the pharmacy.

• While psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health conditions like ADHD, they are not medical doctors. Therefore, they cannot prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. If a psychologist diagnoses you with ADHD, you will need an assessment by a psychiatrist to discuss medication options.
• The NHS shared care agreement requires a psychiatrist’s report to continue medication. This ensures that your treatment is monitored and adjusted as necessary by a medical Doctor.