Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems and an increased demand in the world.
Our service can provide private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history, and an assessment using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed if medication is considered to be beneficial for your situation. i thought about this will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, by video link or by phone). Your clinician will explain what medication options are available and if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process may take several weeks and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is reached. It is not unusual to need to adjust three or four medications before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. 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 working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You will need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed and you are satisfied, you can schedule follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted via zoom video call. In some circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only appointment to be conducted (again with an additional cost).
We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose and any adverse effects you might be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 by video or phone consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask questions about your family history, the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is important to examine any family history that could indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.
It is important to be honest and transparent with the clinician during this assessment, as the information they gather will be used to determine whether your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step, since an incorrect diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you've decided that you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. This can be scheduled in the wake of your diagnosis if you want to start treatment immediately or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives available to you.
We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, talk with your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies regarding whether or not they require the submission of a GP letter. Find out if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.
Medication
For many people who seek an individual diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a crucial element of their treatment. It isn't easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Requesting your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider that provides a private assessment service and titration. This can help you to save time and also be more convenient, especially in the event of a hectic schedule.
Once you've been diagnosed, your doctor will assess you to determine if need medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill out forms that vary by provider but the main ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any conditions that could indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into consideration any medical conditions you may have. The titration process can be lengthy and may need several additional appointments before you're stable on your dosage.
Depending on the type of medication you are taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor making sure that you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you remain in a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review and a regular health check-up that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.
Some people may be satisfied with their treatment and therefore do not require discussing their titration process further. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in more detail it is possible that you'll be referred back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. In this case the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be given via a private prescription. It could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.