Private ADHD Titration
There is a nationwide shortage of medication that helps to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service is private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history and an evaluation using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your specific situation. go now will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, via video link, or over the phone). Your physician will explain to you the different options available for you to take medication and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will suggest titrating the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take several weeks and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is reached. It is not uncommon to to adjust up to three different medications before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is important that parents are involved in the titration and keep an eye out for their child's behavior, so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with a private prescription which you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You will be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication - this includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed and you are satisfied, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. Typically, the appointment will take place on zoom video call but in certain circumstances it is possible to have an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication, as well as any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration appointments is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history as well as the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any mental health issues that you may be experiencing. ADHD is a genetic condition, so it's important to assess your family history in order to determine if you're at chance of developing this disorder.
During the assessment, it is essential to be truthful and honest with the clinician in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, since a wrong diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you've decided you'd like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. This can be done within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are eager to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the options available to you.
We suggest that if are unsure of your preferences, you talk with your GP prior to booking your private assessment. Certain providers have different policies on whether they require the submission of a GP letter. We also advise 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 prescription for the medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key part of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer their patients to specialist services.
Asking your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). You can choose a service that provides an assessment on your own and titration. This can reduce your wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient when you are working and have a hectic schedule.
After you've been referred through this route the doctor you choose will assess you and decide whether or not you require to be monitored for a dose of medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that vary by provider but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it is likely to be a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the right combination for you. The titration procedure can be a lengthy process and may require a number of additional appointments before the dose becomes stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking that you are taking the correct medication, noting any adverse effects you've experienced and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are in a safe dosage. You will also be required to attend a routine health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.
Some people may be satisfied with their treatment and don't need to discuss their titration process further. If you need to discuss your titration or treatment plan in more detail it is possible that you'll be sent back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in their consultation fee, and they will receive their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.