Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication that helps to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised that medication may be beneficial in your particular situation. This will take place at your follow-up appointment (which can be scheduled in person, via video link or by phone). Your physician will go over the different options for medication available. If you decide to start medication, we will offer you the option of titrating your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take several weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's dosage until the proper balance has been achieved. It is not unusual to have to titrate two or three medicines before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is important that parents participate in the titration and be aware of their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor if the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment the medication you take will be provided with an individual prescription that you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You must attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed you will be able to book follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. The appointment is usually done via zoom video call. However, in certain instances, it could be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
At this point, we will discuss any treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication and any adverse effects you might be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with your relationships that you may be having or other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is crucial to look into any family history that could suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During this assessment it is vital to be truthful and honest with the clinician 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 a crucial step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If find out here decide to receive treatment for ADHD, we'll arrange an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. If you'd like to start treatment right away, you can do this immediately following the diagnosis. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
If you aren't sure what you would prefer it is recommended that you talk to your GP before booking your private examination as some providers have different rules regarding whether they require a GP referral letter or not. We also recommend to check if your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the medication prescription.
Medication
Medication is an integral element of the process for many people who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Asking your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means you can select one that provides a private assessment and titration service. This can reduce your wait time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a busy schedule.
After you have been recommended, your physician will evaluate your condition to determine if you require medication titration. 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 and adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are reasons that suggest you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, in the event that they've been prescribed.
If you are titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. These will be carefully examined and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration process can be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you're able to stay on your dosage.
Depending on the type of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor making sure that you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you're on a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review and a regular health check-up that includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication and do not require discussing their titration process further. If you need to discuss your titration or treatment plan in more detail, it is possible that you will be referred back to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. In this instance, the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be administered via an individual prescription. This could cost more than a prescription from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.