ADHD Medication Titration in Berkshire

Specialist ADHD medication titration for children and adults across Berkshire, with expert monitoring and clear support
Book Your ADHD Titration

About Our ADHD Medication Titration

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis, many people choose to explore medication as part of their treatment plan. ADHD medication can improve focus, reduce impulsivity and support everyday functioning when carefully prescribed and monitored.
“According to NHS and NICE data, ADHD affects around 5% of children and 3–4% of adults in the UK, with increasing numbers seeking assessment and treatment support.”

At Total Health West Berkshire, we provide a structured ADHD medication titration service delivered by Psychiatrist Dr Eleanor Akaho, supporting clients across Berkshire, including Newbury, Thatcham and surrounding areas.

“The psychiatrist was superb and provided a lot of information about the titration process.”

What Is ADHD Medication Titration?

ADHD medication titration is the process of starting medication at a low dose and gradually adjusting it until you reach the level that provides the best symptom improvement with the least side effects.

Respected ADHD charities and medical bodies describe titration as a step-by-step, safety-focused process designed to help you find your “optimal dose”.

During titration, you and your psychiatrist will work together to track:
  • symptom changes
  • side effects
  • focus and attention
  • sleep
  • general wellbeing
  • physical health measures such as blood pressure, weight and pulse

Titration is not rushed. The goal is to find the right dose for you, not the highest one.

adhd titration medication berkshire
If you need an assessment before considering medication, please see our:
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If your ADHD assessment was completed elsewhere, we can often still support your titration. We will review your assessment report and relevant medical history to ensure safe prescribing.

Who Is This Service For?

Our Berkshire-based ADHD titration service is suitable for:
  • children and adults with a formal ADHD diagnosis
  • clients beginning ADHD medication for the first time
  • those who have used medication before and need a structured restart
  • individuals seeking a safe, supported prescribing process
  • families wanting clear monitoring and communication
  • people preparing for shared care with their NHS GP

How ADHD Titration Works at Total Health West Berkshire

Titration usually takes 3–4 months, though this varies between individuals. Some need a shorter period, while others benefit from closer or longer-term adjustments.

Book a Titration Assessment

Complete the form to book your first titration appointment. Our team will contact you to confirm your slot and outline the steps before your consultation.

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Pre-appointment Health Checks

Before starting medication, we complete a health screening in line with national guidance.

This may include:

  • a medical questionnaire
  • recent GP information (e.g., Summary Care Record)
  • blood tests or ECG
  • review of previous assessments and medical history

Guidance from the NHS and NICE emphasises that medication should only be started after relevant checks to ensure safe prescribing.

We can arrange the required tests at Total Health, or you may request these from your NHS GP.

Pre appointment Health Checks ecg
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First Consultation with the Psychiatrist

adhd titration medication berkshire consultation

Once screening is complete, you will meet with Dr Eleanor Akaho.

During this appointment, you will:

  • discuss your ADHD symptoms and daily impact
  • explore medication options
  • review potential benefits and side effects
  • agree on a safe starting dose
  • plan how you will monitor progress

Medication will only be prescribed if it is clincially appropriate and is not guaranteed as a result of initial appointment. 

If additional information is needed, or if medication is not appropriate, the psychiatrist will discuss this with you sensitively.

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Ongoing Monitoring and Dose Adjustment

After the first prescription, you begin the active titration phase. You may be asked to monitor:
  • blood pressure, pulse, and weight
  • sleep patterns
  • appetite
  • anxiety and mood
  • symptom changes
  • any side effects
Regular follow-up appointments are usually arranged monthly, although some people require more frequent contact.

NHS services highlight that titration appointments are designed to ensure you have ongoing monitoring and do not run out of medication as adjustments continue.

home blood pressure monitor titration monitoring
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Reaching a Stable Dose

adhd medication stable dose
The aim is to find a dose that provides good symptom improvement with manageable or minimal side effects. National guidance stresses that the “optimal dose” balances benefit and tolerability.

Once stabilised, you can move to the next stage: shared care or continued private prescribing.

Shared Care and Your GP

After titration, many clients move to an NHS shared care agreement, where your GP continues prescribing while the specialist oversees annual reviews.

NICE and NHS guidance recognise shared care as safe and appropriate once a stable dose is reached.

At Total Health West Berkshire, we:

  • summarise your titration history
  • outline your medication and monitoring requirements
  • send clear correspondence to your GP
  • request shared care where appropriate
gp adhd medication coordination

If shared care is not possible in your area, we can arrange ongoing prescriptions and follow-up within our private service.

Even under shared care, ADHD medication should be reviewed at least annually, assessing symptom control, side effects, and overall well-being.

For psychological support alongside medication, explore our Mental Health Services
for therapy and counselling.

Meet Dr Eleanor Akaho

Child & Adult Psychiatrist | MRCPsych

Dr Eleanor Akaho is an experienced Psychiatrist specialising in neurodiversity, with over a decade of work across NHS and private mental health settings. She has extensive experience in ADHD and Autism assessment and medication management for both children and adults.

Her training includes:

  • University of Manchester medical degree (2011)
  • Core Psychiatry Training in West London
  • Roles across Older Adults, Crisis & Home Treatment, CAMHS, General Adult Psychiatry, Adolescent Forensics and Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
  • Awarded MRCPsych in 2016
  • Has held Locum Consultant Psychiatrist roles *within the NHS* 2020-2025
Dr Akaho’s approach to titration is:
  • Holistic – looking at symptoms, lifestyle, physical health, and environment
  • Compassionate – grounded in lived experience and neurodiversity advocacy
  • Collaborative – involving families and working closely with GPs
Dr Eleanor Akaho psychiatrist adhd medication titration
She also contributes to medical school interviewing, charity governance and coaching for young women, supporting education and health initiatives internationally.

Areas We Serve

 Dr Akaho provides medication titration for clients across the local area, including:

  • West Berkshire
  • Newbury
  • Thatcham
  • Hungerford
  • Surrounding villages

If you’re looking for specialist ADHD support close to home, we’re easy to reach and offer clear, supportive guidance throughout the titration process. We also provide related services, including Adult ADHD Assessments and Child ADHD Assessments, if you’re seeking further help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does titration take?

Typically 3–4 months, though this varies. NHS guidance notes that titration can take several months while your team safely adjusts the dose.

Will I receive a prescription for ADHD Medication after the first consultation appointment?

In most appointments medication will be prescribed. But it is important to note that medication will only be prescribed if it is clincially appropriate and is not guaranteed as a result of this appointment. Sometimes further tests or clincial information is required in order for medication to be safely prescribed. 

What happens during titration?

You start at a low dose, make gradual adjustments, and monitor symptoms and physical measures. Regular appointments help decide whether to increase, reduce, or change medication.

Is ADHD medication titration safe?

Titration is the safest way to start ADHD medication, ensuring careful monitoring and reducing risk. NICE emphasises the importance of health checks and close review.

Can you provide titration if my ADHD assessment was done elsewhere?

Often, yes. We review your report, health information and any additional details needed before agreeing a plan.

What if my GP cannot offer shared care?

Some GPs cannot enter shared care agreements due to local policies. In these cases, we can continue prescribing privately. ADHD UK highlights this as a common issue nationwide.

Where can I learn more about ADHD and medication?

  • Royal College of Psychiatrists – ADHD in adults and children
  • NHS resources on ADHD and treatment options
  • ADHD UK – Shared care, medication, and Right to Choose information