private adhd medication titration ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service can offer private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This will include a medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person by video link, in person or by phone). Your clinician will discuss the various medication options available. If you decide to start taking medication, we will offer you to titrate your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process may take several weeks and requires gradually altering your child’s dosage until the appropriate balance has been achieved. It’s not uncommon to have to titrate 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 keep an eye out for their child’s behavior so they can inform doctors whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You’ll need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is complete and you are satisfied, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. However, in some circumstances, it might be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication and any side effects you might be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 by video or phone consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, including any issues with your relationships that you may be having or other mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is because adhd medication titration can be a genetic disorder and it is important to look into any family history that may indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is crucial to be honest and open with the clinician during this assessment, as the information they receive will be used to determine if your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is a vital step in the process as failing to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD, we’ll arrange an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are eager to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the options that are available to you.
If you aren’t sure what you would prefer We suggest you speak with your GP prior to booking your private adhd medication titration examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also suggest to check if your GP accepts a “Shared-Care Agreement which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be referred back to them for the prescription for the medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential aspect of the treatment process for many who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. Finding an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously how long does adhd titration take and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to avoid this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can select a provider who offers an assessment on your own and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will assess you to determine if need medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are any factors that could mean you shouldn’t take ADHD medications, in the event that they’ve been prescribed.
If you are being titrated the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. They will be examined and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you. The titration can be a lengthy process and may require a number of additional appointments before your dose is stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and quantity of medication you’re taking. They can be scheduled for monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure whether you are safe with the medication, document any side effects that you have 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 and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual check-up.
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 need to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan more thoroughly it is possible that you will be referred to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration appointment will be included in their consultation fee, and they will receive their medication through an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.