Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.
Our service is private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This will include medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be advised that medication may be beneficial in your case. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to begin medication, we can help you the option of titrating your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.
This process can take a few weeks and it involves gradually altering your child's dosage until the appropriate balance is reached. It's not uncommon to to titrate up to three different medications before you can find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to be involved in this titration process, and keep an eye on their child's behavior so that they can let the doctor know if the medicine is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS treatment the medication you take will be issued with a private prescription which you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You'll need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed you will be able to make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist, as necessary. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
At this point we will discuss any treatment options and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication and any adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, including any issues with your relationships that you may be experiencing or other mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is because ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is important to examine any family history that may suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During the assessment, it is vital that you are truthful and open with the doctor who will be using the information you provide to determine if you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step because an incorrect diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you've decided you would like to be treated for your ADHD We will schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this field. If you want to start treatment right away, you can do this immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk to your GP prior to booking your private assessment. Some providers have different policies on whether or not they require an GP letter. Find out if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic to get a prescription medication.
Medication
For many people who want an official diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a crucial element of their treatment. It can be difficult to get prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
titration ADHD adults to avoid 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 that is private and titration. This will cut down your waiting time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
After you've been referred through this route, your chosen clinician will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be adjusted on your medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that vary by provider but the most important ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any conditions that could suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. These will be thoroughly assessed and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The titration can be long and may require multiple appointments before the dose becomes stable.
Depending on the type of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking to see if you are on the right medication, noting any adverse effects you've experienced, and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you remain in a safe dosage. You'll also be required to attend a routine health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and do not have to discuss their titration further. However, for those who do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plan it's possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this scenario the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will be provided through a private prescription. This could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.
