Private ADHD TitrationThere is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
Our service provides private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This will include a 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 particular situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, via video link, or over the phone). Your physician will explain to you the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take several weeks. It involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to have to titrate as high as three different medicines until you discover the one that best suits your child's ADHD. Parents must be involved in this
titration adhd meds process and keep a close eye on their child's behavior, so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS treatment the medication you take will be given as an individual prescription that you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You'll be required to attend every six months to check your medication. This includes pulse and
Private ADHD Titration blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed you will be able to schedule follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. The appointment will usually be conducted via zoom video call. In some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and choose a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage, as well as any adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration appointments is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be experiencing or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it's vital to look into your family's background to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this disorder.
During this assessment it is vital that you are honest and open with the doctor, as they will use the information you provide to determine if you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you've decided that you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this area. This can be scheduled at the time of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if would like more time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the options that are available to you.
We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk with your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies on whether they require the submission of a GP letter. Find out if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescription medication.
Medication
For many people who seek a private diagnosis of ADHD medication is a crucial part of their journey. Getting an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and lengthy. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often 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). You can choose a service that provides an assessment on your own and the titration. This can cut down on wait time significantly and is more convenient if you're working and have a full schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will assess you and
private adhd titration decide whether or not you require to be monitored for a dose of medication. You'll have to complete forms that vary by doctor but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician 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 non-stimulant drugs. These will be carefully tested and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you. The titration process can be long and may require multiple appointments before the dose becomes stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking that you are stable on the medication, noting any adverse effects you've experienced, and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you're on a dose that is safe. You will be required to attend an annual review as well as a routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication and do not require discussing their titration in more detail. If you're required to discuss your titration or treatment plan in more detail it is possible that you'll be sent back to the private doctor that performed your initial evaluation. If this occurs, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee, and they will be given their medication via private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.