Private ADHD Titration
There is a national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service can offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history and an assessment using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your evaluation After your assessment, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, by video link or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will offer you the opportunity to increase your dosage to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's dosage until the right balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to to titrate as high as three different medications until you discover the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It is crucial that parents take part in the titration and be aware of their child's behavior so that they can inform doctors whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will be issued a private prescription for your medication. steps for titration will be required to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You will need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual checks 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 usually takes place via a zoom video call but in certain circumstances it might be possible to do an audio only consultation (again at an extra cost).
At this point, we will discuss treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication, as well as any adverse effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be having or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic condition and it is essential to examine any family history that could indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During the assessment, it is crucial to be truthful and honest with your doctor, as they will use the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential part of the process, as failing to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist who is specialized 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 prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.
We recommend that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to booking your private examination. Certain providers have different policies regarding whether they require an GP letter. We also suggest that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that after you have been discharged from the clinic, you will be returned to them for the medication prescription.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is an important aspect of their journey. Finding prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Inquiring your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose one that provides an assessment and titration. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, especially if you have a busy work schedule.
If you are recommended by this method, your chosen clinician will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be monitored for a dose of medication. You'll need to fill out forms that differ by provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are reasons that suggest you shouldn't take ADHD medications, if they have been prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be thoroughly examined and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need several additional appointments before you're stable on your dosage.
Based on the type of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are stable on the medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also be required to undergo a regular health check which can include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual review.
Some people may be satisfied with their treatment and do not need to discuss their titration process further. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further it is likely that you'll be sent back to the private clinic who performed your initial assessment. In this scenario, the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be given via the private prescription. This can cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.