Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service provides private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your assessment You will be advised whether medication is appropriate for your particular situation. This will happen during your follow-up appointment (which can be scheduled in person, via video link or by telephone). Your doctor will explain the different options available for you to take medication and, if you choose to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which could take a few weeks and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is reached. It's not uncommon to need to adjust several times before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is crucial that parents participate in the titration process and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so they can let the doctors know whether the medication is helping or causing adverse reactions.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will be issued a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. steps for titration is not included in the consultation cost. You will need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted through a zoom video call. However, in some circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
At this point, we will discuss any treatment options we have and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dosage and any side effects that you might be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your family history, the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, so it's important to look into your family's history in order to determine if you're at a higher chance of developing this disorder.
During this examination, it is vital that you are truthful and open with the doctor in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, since a wrong diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD, we'll arrange an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. This can be done in the wake of your diagnosis if are keen to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.
We recommend that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to booking your private examination. Some providers have different policies on whether they require a GP letter. Find out if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many people who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. The process of getting prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Requesting your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can select one that provides a private assessment and titration. This can cut down on wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you're working and have a busy schedule.
If you are referred, your clinician will assess you to determine if you require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are any factors that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication, even when they've been prescribed.
If you are titrated, the medication will consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The titration process can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before the dose becomes stable.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor making sure that you are on the right medication, logging any side effects you have had and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are on a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review as well as a routine health exam that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.
For some it could be because they are content with their medication and don't require an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further it is possible that you'll be sent to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in the consultation fee and they will be given their medication through an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.