Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems as well as an increased demand in the world.
Our service provides private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes medical history and an assessment using the standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your evaluation After your assessment, you will be informed whether medication is appropriate for your particular situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link or by phone). Your physician will explain to you the various options for medication and, if you choose to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process could take a few weeks and requires gradually altering your child's dosage until the right balance has been achieved. It is not unusual to need to adjust two or three medicines before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is important that parents participate in the titration process and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse reactions.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will be issued a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medication. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. However, in certain circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
At this point we will discuss treatment options and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration program. This will include a review of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any issues with your relationships that you may be facing or any other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. ADHD is a genetic condition, so it's important to examine your family history in order to determine if you're at a greater chance of developing this condition.
It is important that you are honest and transparent to the doctor during this assessment, as the information they get will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a vital part of the process, since a failure to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD We'll set up a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist who specializes in this field. If you want to start treatment immediately, you can do this immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
We recommend that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies regarding whether they require the submission of a GP letter. We also recommend to check if your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be referred back to them for the medication prescription.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD treatment is an important part of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Asking adhd titration considerations to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can select one that provides a private assessment and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient if you are working and have a hectic schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will assess you and decide whether or not you need to be monitored for a dose of medication. You will need to complete forms that vary by doctor but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories going to childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any conditions that could suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are being titrated on medication, it is likely to be a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be thoroughly assessed and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration process can be lengthy and may require several additional appointments before you are stable on your dosage.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and amount of medication that you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking that you are on the right medication, noting any adverse effects you've experienced and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to attend an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.
Some people may be satisfied with their medication, and don't have to discuss their titration process further. If you're looking to discuss your titration or treatment plan more thoroughly, it is possible that you'll be referred back to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. In this scenario the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be given via a private prescription. This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.