Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service offers private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This includes an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be informed if medication is considered to be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, via video link or by phone). ADHD medication titration will discuss the various options for medications available. If you decide to begin medication, we will help you the option of titrating your dose to ensure the best balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process may take several weeks. It involves adjusting your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It is not uncommon to to adjust up to three different medicines before you can find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep an eye on their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS treatment, your medication will be issued with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You will need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment has been completed, you will be able to make appointment with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. The appointment is usually done via zoom video call. However, in some circumstances, it might be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (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 dosage and any side effects you might be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be experiencing or other mental health issues you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, which is why it's crucial to examine your family history to determine if you're at a greater chance of developing this condition.
During this examination, it is vital that you are honest and open with the doctor in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step because 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 set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this field. If you want to start treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. Or you can wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private examination. Some providers have different policies regarding whether they require a GP letter. Check if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic to get a prescription medication.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a crucial aspect of their journey. Finding an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be 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 select a provider that offers an assessment and titration service. This can reduce your wait time significantly and is more convenient if you are working and have a busy schedule.
Once you've been recommended, your physician will evaluate you to determine if you require medication titration. You will be asked to fill in forms that vary by provider but the main ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are reasons that suggest you shouldn't take ADHD medication, even in the event that they've been prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be carefully tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The titration can be a lengthy process and may require a number of additional appointments before you are stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and amount of medication you're taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking that you are stable on the medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You'll also have to attend a routine health check that may include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements as well as an annual review.
For some individuals, it may be that they are satisfied with their medication and don't need any further discussion on their titration. For those who require further discussion about their titration and treatment plan it is possible that they will be referred back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee, and they will be given their medication on a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.