Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand.
Our service provides private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed at your follow up appointment (which can be scheduled in person via video link or by phone). Your doctor will explain what medication options are available and, if you choose to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to to titrate up to three different medicines before you can find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is essential that parents participate in the titration process and be on the lookout for their child's behavior, so they can inform doctors whether the medication is helping 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 the pharmacy. adhd titration private med is not included in the consultation fee. You must keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. Typically, the appointment will take place via a zoom video call, although in certain cases it is possible to schedule an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).
At this point we will discuss any treatment options we have and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose, as well as any side effects that you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.
The doctor will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, including any relationship issues you might be facing or any other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. This is because ADHD is an inheritable condition, and it is crucial to look into any family history that may indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During this examination, it is essential that you are truthful and honest with your doctor in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step because a wrong diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.
If you've decided that you would like to be treated for your ADHD We will arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this field. This can be scheduled at the time of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if prefer to take time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the options that are available to you.
If you aren't sure what your preference is, we suggest that you speak to 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 recommend to check if your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement that means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be returned to them for the prescription for medication.
Medication
Medication is an integral element of the process for many people who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One way to get around this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can select a provider that offers a private assessment service and the titration. This can help you save time and be more convenient, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will examine you and decide whether or not you're required to be adjusted on your medication. You'll need to complete forms that are different for each provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any conditions that could suggest you should not take ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be thoroughly examined and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The titration process can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before you are stable.
Depending on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician making sure that you are on the right medication, noting any adverse effects you've experienced and making any adjustments needed to ensure you are in a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review as well as a regular health check-up that includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.
For some people it could be that they are satisfied with their medication and don't need a further discussion about their titration. However, for those who do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plans, it's possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be part of their consultation fee, and they will receive their medication on a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.