Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.
Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This will include an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your assessment You will be advised if medication would be beneficial for your specific 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 physician will explain to you the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take several weeks, and requires adjusting your child's dosage gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to to titrate up to three different medications before you find the one that best suits your child's ADHD. It is important that parents take part in the titration process and keep an eye out for their child's behavior so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing adverse reactions.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You'll need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment has been completed, you will be able to book follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. Typically, the appointment will take place on zoom video call, although in certain cases 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 adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose, as well as any side effects that you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The doctor will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, including any relationship issues you might be experiencing or other mental health issues you may be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD is a genetic condition and it is essential to look into any family history that could indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During the assessment, it is essential that you are honest and open with the doctor in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital step in the process since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD we'll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. This can be done in the wake of your diagnosis if are keen to begin treatment immediately or within two weeks if you would like more time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Certain providers have different guidelines regarding whether or not they require a GP letter. Make stay with me that your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them after you leave the clinic for medication prescription.
Medication
For many people who want an official diagnosis of ADHD medication is an important aspect of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients 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 an assessment and titration. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, especially in the event of a hectic schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will examine you and decide whether or not you require to be adjusted on your medication. You will need to complete forms that are different for each provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating back to childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any conditions that could indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, this will usually consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The titration procedure can be lengthy and may require several extra appointments before the dose becomes stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor making sure that you are stable on the medication, noting any adverse effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you're on a dose that is safe. You'll also have to attend a routine health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual review.
For some people, it may be that they are satisfied with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're required to discuss your titration or treatment plan more thoroughly, it is possible that you'll be sent back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee and they will receive their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). It could cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.