Private ADHD Titration
There is a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and an increased global demand.
Our service can offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes medical history and an assessment using the standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your assessment You will be advised whether medication is appropriate for your situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, via video link or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to begin medication, we will help you the option of titrating your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and requires adjusting your child’s dosage slowly until the right balance is achieved. It’s not uncommon to have to titrate three or four medications before finding the best one for your child’s ADHD symptoms. It is essential for parents to be involved in this titration process, and keep an eye on their child’s behaviour to inform the doctor if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS care the medication you take will be given as a private prescription which you’ll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You’ll need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. The appointment usually takes place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it is possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).
At this point, we will discuss any treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration adhd plan. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as a discussion of any possible negative side effects you may be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any charges for medication.
The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be experiencing or other mental health problems that you may be suffering from. This is because ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is crucial to examine any family history that might suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During this assessment it is vital that you are truthful and honest with the clinician who will be using the information you provide to determine whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, as a wrong diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you’ve decided you would like to be treated for your ADHD We will arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if you want to start treatment right away, or within two weeks if you would like more time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.
If you aren’t sure what you would prefer We suggest you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private examination as some providers have different policies regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also suggest that you check whether your GP accepts a ‘Shared Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for medication.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a key aspect of their journey. It isn’t always easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can select one that provides an assessment and titration. This can cut down on wait time significantly and is more convenient if you are working and have a full schedule.
After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will evaluate you to determine if require medication titration. You will be asked to fill in forms that differ by doctor but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These will help your clinician determine any issues that could mean you shouldn’t take ADHD medications if they’re prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you. The process of titration adhd adults can be lengthy and may require a few extra appointments before you’re stable on your dosage.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and amount of medication you are taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are stable on the medication, record any adverse reactions you have experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to undergo a regular health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings as well as an annual review.
For some individuals it could be that they are satisfied with their medication and don’t require any further discussion on their titration. However, for those who require further discussions regarding the titration adhd meds process and treatment plan, it’s possible to be referred back to the same private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this case the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be given via a private prescription. This may cost more than a prescription from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.