Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
Our service offers private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history, as well as an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be advised that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed 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 decide to begin taking medication, we will offer to titrate dosage to ensure the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which can take several weeks. It involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate several times before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential for parents to take part in this process of titration, and keep an eye on their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing side effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care the medication you take will be given as a prescription from a private pharmacy that you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You'll be required to attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse readings. 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 usually takes place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it might be possible to do an audio only consultation (again at an extra cost).
We will then go over treatment options and choose a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include a review of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost for 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 also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be having or other mental health problems that you may be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD is a genetic disorder and it is crucial to examine any family history that may indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During I Am Psychiatry , it is essential to be truthful and honest with your doctor who will be using the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, as the wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD, we'll arrange an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this field. If you want to start treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment at the time of diagnosis. Or you can wait two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private assessment. Some providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require a GP letter. We also recommend that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement that means that once you are discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the medication prescription.
Medication
The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't always easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
Asking your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose a provider that offers a private assessment and titration service. This can help you to save time and also be more convenient, especially when you are on a tight work schedule.
After you've been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will examine you and decide whether or not you're required to be titrated on medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are any circumstances that indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, if they have been prescribed.
If you are being titrated the medication will consist of stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. These will be carefully assessed and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration process can be lengthy and may require some additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.
Based on the type of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure that you are stable with the medication, note any side effects that you've experienced, and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dose. You will also be required to attend a regular health check that may include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual review.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication and don't require discussing their titration in more detail. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further, it is possible that you will be referred to the private clinic who performed your initial assessment. In this case the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be provided through an individual prescription. This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.