How quickly can I start ADHD treatment in Birmingham?
There is no waiting list for our service. We aim to offer prompt appointments, and treatment can often be initiated at your first consultation once the clinical review is complete. This compares with NHS waits in Birmingham where, after a diagnosis is made, children face an additional wait of at least 12 months for a medication follow-up appointment.
Do I need a diagnosis before starting ADHD treatment?
Yes. A confirmed ADHD diagnosis is required before any treatment can begin, and we can only prescribe medication to patients diagnosed through our service. If you have not yet been assessed, our Birmingham clinic offers full ADHD diagnostic assessments for adults and children. If you were diagnosed elsewhere, please contact us to discuss your options.
How much does private ADHD treatment cost in Birmingham?
The initial treatment consultation is £290. Follow-up appointments are £180. A repeat prescription on its own, with no appointment, is £35. Treatment costs vary depending on individual needs and how many reviews are required during titration. Assessment is priced separately. An ADHD assessment is £1,000, and a combined ADHD and autism assessment is £2,250. Prices are the same for adults and children.
What ADHD medications do you prescribe?
We prescribe the full range of NICE-recommended ADHD medications. Stimulants include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta XL, Medikinet, Equasym), lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse and Elvanse Adult) and dexamfetamine. Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv). Which medicine is right for you depends on your age, symptoms, medical history and how you respond during titration.
What is titration and how long does it take?
Titration is the process of starting at a low dose and increasing it gradually until you reach the dose that gives the most benefit with the fewest side effects. It typically takes several weeks and involves regular review appointments. NICE guidance requires this to be done under specialist supervision with monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, height and weight.
Can my GP continue my treatment under shared care?
Once your dose is stable, ongoing prescribing can move to your GP under a shared care agreement, with us retaining clinical oversight and carrying out reviews. We provide full reports and will coordinate directly with your Birmingham GP practice. Shared care agreements are voluntary for GPs, so we discuss your individual situation with you before treatment starts.
What are the common side effects of ADHD medication?
The most commonly reported side effects are reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, headaches, increased heart rate or blood pressure, and mood changes. Most settle within the first few weeks or respond to an adjustment in dose, timing or formulation. We monitor closely at every review and adjust treatment as needed.
Do you treat children as well as adults?
Yes. We provide ADHD treatment for children, teenagers and adults. For children we use age-appropriate dosing and formulations, monitor growth at every review, liaise with Birmingham and Solihull schools where helpful, and offer flexible appointments around school hours.
Are appointments in person or online?
Both. Treatment appointments can be held in person at our Brindley Place clinic in Birmingham city centre, or online via secure video. Some baseline observations are best taken in person, and your psychiatrist will advise which format suits each stage of your treatment.
