Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.
Our service offers private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. related website will include medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised if medication is considered to be beneficial in your case. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, via video link, or over the phone). Your clinician will discuss the different options for medication available. If you decide to begin medication, we will help you the opportunity to increase your dosage to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child’s medication until the appropriate balance has been achieved. It is not unusual to need to titrate several times before finding the one that is best for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must be involved in this titration process and keep a close eye on their child's behaviour to let the doctor know whether the medication is working or causing side effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You will need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you will be able to book appointment with the psychiatrist, as necessary. The appointment usually takes place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it may be possible to do an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your dosage of medication, as well as any side effects that you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration consultations is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history, the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be suffering from. ADHD is a genetic condition, which is why it's crucial to look into your family's background to determine if you are at a higher risk of developing this disorder.
During this assessment it is essential to be truthful and open with the doctor who will use the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital part of the process, because if you don't do it, it could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD, we'll arrange an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. This can be done within the first few days of your diagnosis if you want to start treatment right away or within two weeks if you want to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.
If you aren't sure what you would prefer it is recommended that you speak to your GP prior to scheduling your private examination as some providers have different policies regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. Make sure that your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them after you leave the clinic to get a prescription medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD medication is an important part of their journey. Getting prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and lengthy. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to request your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers an assessment on your own and titration. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
Once you've been diagnosed, your doctor will evaluate you to determine if you need medication adjustment. You'll need to fill out forms that vary by doctor, but the most common ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating back to childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any conditions that could suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are being titrated the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be carefully examined and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The titration can be lengthy and may require several extra appointments before your dose is stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and amount of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are stable on the medication, note any adverse reactions you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.
Some patients may be content with their treatment and therefore do not require discussing their titration process further. If you're required to discuss your titration or treatment plan further it is likely that you'll be referred to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fees and they will receive their medication via private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.