Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and a growing global demand.
Our service offers private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting
steps for titration NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This will include an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination You will be advised whether medication is appropriate for your particular situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link, or over the phone). Your doctor will explain the various options for medication and, if you choose to begin taking medication, we will offer to titrate the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process may take several weeks. It involves adjusting your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate three or four medications before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It's important for parents to participate in this titration process and keep an eye on their child's behavior, so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be provided with a private prescription which you will 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 pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed, you will be able to make appointment with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. The appointment will usually be conducted through a zoom video call. However, in some instances, it could be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
In this session, we'll discuss treatment options and come up with a unique
ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as a discussion of any possible negative side 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. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be having or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, so it's important to examine your family history to determine if you are at risk of developing this disorder.
During this examination, it is essential to be truthful and open with the doctor who will use the information you provide to determine if you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital step in the process as failing to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. If you'd like to start treatment right away you can start treatment at the time of diagnosis. You can also take two weeks to think about the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
If you're not sure which one you prefer, we suggest that you speak to your GP before booking your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require a GP referral letter or not. We also suggest to check if your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement', which means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for
ADHD medication titration the medication.
Medication
Medication is an integral part of the journey for many who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. Getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can select an organization that offers an assessment and titration service. This can cut down on wait time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
If you are recommended by this method, your chosen clinician will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be adjusted on your medication. You will need to fill out forms that are different for each provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are factors that could mean that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, even in the event that they've been prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, this will usually include a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They will be carefully tested and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you, taking into consideration any medical conditions you may have. The titration process may be long and could require a few extra appointments before you're able to stay on your dosage.
Depending on the kind of medication you are taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure whether you are stable on the medication, document any side effects that you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You'll also be required to attend a regular health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.
Some patients may be content with their medication, and do not have to discuss their titration in more detail. For those who do need further discussions about their
titration meaning adhd and treatment plan it is possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that performed their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration appointment will be included in their consultation fee and they will be given their medication on a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.
