Private ADHD Titration
There is a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service can provide private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history and an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination After your assessment, you will be informed whether medication is appropriate for your situation. This will take place at your follow up appointment (which can be done in person by video link, in person or by phone). Your clinician will discuss the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will help you the opportunity to increase your dosage to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This is a process which may take several weeks and requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is achieved. It is not unusual to have to titrate several times before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must take part in this process of titration, and keep an eye on their child's behaviour to inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will be issued a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You must attend every six months to check your medication - this includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you will be able to make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist as appropriate. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some cases, it may be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your dosage of medication, as well as any side effects that you might be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any charges for medication.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history and the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any mental health issues you may be experiencing. This is because ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is essential to look into any family history that might indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.
It is crucial to be honest and transparent to the doctor during this evaluation, as the information they gather will be used to determine if your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is a vital step in the process because if you don't do it, it could result in an incorrect diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. If you'd like to begin treatment right away you can start treatment when you are diagnosed. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
If you are unsure of what you would prefer, we suggest that you speak to your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment as certain providers have different policies regarding whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. We also advise to check if your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be returned to them for the prescription for medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many people seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One way to get around this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider that provides an assessment on your own and the titration. This will help you to save time and also be more convenient, especially if you have a busy schedule.
After you've been referred through this route, your chosen clinician will assess you and decide whether or not you're required to be monitored for a dose of medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might mean you shouldn't take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. They will be carefully tested and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dose.
adhd titration uk of medication of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure that you are stable with the medication, document any adverse reactions you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to go to an annual review and a routine health examination which includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.
For some people it could be that they are content with their medication and don't need any further discussion on their titration. If you're required to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further it is possible that you will be referred to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in the consultation fee and they will receive their medication on an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.