Private ADHD TitrationThere is currently a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and a growing global demand.
Our service can offer private ADHD treatment 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 highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This will include medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial in your particular situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, by video link or over the phone). Your clinician will explain what medication options are available and, if you choose to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take several weeks, and requires gradually altering your child’s medication until the appropriate balance is reached. It is not uncommon to to adjust up to three different medicines until you discover the one that is most suitable for
Private ADHD Titration your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to participate in this titration process and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior to inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing side effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You'll be required to attend every six months to check your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is complete and you are satisfied, you can schedule follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. In some cases, it may be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose and any adverse effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these
titration adhd sessions 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 also inquire with you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, including any issues with your relationships that you may be having or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD is a genetic disorder and it is crucial to look into any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is crucial that you are honest and truthful with your doctor during this evaluation,
Private ADHD Titration as the information they receive will be used to determine if your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial part of the process, as failing to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you have decided that you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. If you'd like to begin treatment immediately, you can do this at the time of diagnosis. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
If you're not sure what you would prefer, we suggest that you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment as certain providers have different policies regarding whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. We also advise to check if your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement which means that after you have been discharged from the clinic, you will be referred back to them for the prescription for the medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many people seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients on 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 choose a provider that offers an assessment and titration service. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a hectic schedule.
If you are referred, your clinician will evaluate your condition to determine if you need medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill out forms that are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. They will help your physician identify any factors that might suggest you should not take 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 examined and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The titration can be lengthy and may require multiple appointments before you are stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and amount of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are safe with the medication, document any side effects that you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a dose that is safe. You'll also have to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual check-up.
For some individuals it could be that they are content with their medication and don't need a further discussion about their titration. 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 made their initial assessment. In this case the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be administered via a private prescription. This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.