Private
ADHD Titration
There is a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and a growing global demand.
Our service can provide private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history and an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which can be scheduled in person by video link, in person or by telephone). Your physician will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to begin medication, we can help you the option of titrating your dose to ensure the best balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which may take several weeks, and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It is not unusual to need to adjust three or four medications before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is important that parents are involved in the
titration adhd adults and keep an eye out for their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as an individual prescription that you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You will be required to attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication - this includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment is completed, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment usually takes place through a video call using zoom however in some instances it may be possible to schedule an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dosage, as well as any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask questions about your family history and the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any mental health issues that you may be experiencing.
adhd titration uk can be a hereditary condition, which is why it's crucial to examine your family background to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this disorder.
It is essential to be honest and truthful to the doctor during the assessment, since the information they gather will be used to determine whether your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step, as a wrong diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you've decided you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this field. This can be done in the wake of your diagnosis if want to start treatment right away, or within two weeks if prefer to take time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.
If you're not sure what your preference is We suggest you speak to your GP prior to scheduling your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be referred back to them for the medication prescription.
Medication
For many people who seek an official diagnosis of ADHD, medication is an important part of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Inquiring 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 who offers a private assessment service and titration. This will help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly in the event of a hectic work schedule.
If you are recommended by this method the doctor you choose will assess you and decide whether or not you're required to be monitored for a dose of medication. You will be asked to fill in forms that differ by doctor but the most common ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor determine any issues that could indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to find the best combination for you, taking into account any medical conditions you may have. The process of titration can be lengthy and may require some additional appointments before you are stable on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication that 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 dose that is safe. You'll also have to undergo a regular health check which can include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual check-up.
Some patients may be content with their medication, and therefore do not have to discuss their titration further. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further it is likely that you'll be sent back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be part of their consultation fees and they will be given their medication through an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.