Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.
Our service can provide private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Read Significantly more cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This will include an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised that medication may be beneficial for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, via video link or over the phone). Your clinician will explain the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process could take several weeks, and it involves gradually altering your child’s medication until the proper balance has been achieved. It's not uncommon to to adjust up to three different medicines before you can find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It is essential that parents participate in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so they can inform the doctor if the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as 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 attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed and you are satisfied, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some instances, it could be possible for an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication titration. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose and any side effects that you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your family history, the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be suffering from. This is because ADHD can be a genetic condition and it is crucial that we assess any family history that could indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.
It is crucial that you are honest and open to the doctor during the assessment, since the information they receive will be used to determine whether your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step, since an incorrect diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD, we'll arrange an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. This can be done in the wake 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 possibilities available to you.
If you aren't sure which one you prefer We suggest you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private assessment as some providers have different policies about whether they require an GP referral letter or not. Find out if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic for prescription medication.
Medication
For many people who seek an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is an important part of their journey. Finding an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and long-winded. 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 request your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means you can select one that provides an assessment and titration service. This will help you to save time and also be more convenient, particularly if you have a busy work schedule.
If you are referred, your clinician will evaluate you to determine if require medication adjustment. You'll have to fill out forms that differ by provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories going to your childhood and into adulthood. They will help your physician identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are being titrated on medication, it is likely to be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be carefully examined and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you. The titration process may be lengthy and may require a few extra appointments before you are stable on your dosage.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure that you are stable with the medication, document any side effects that you've experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to attend an annual review as well as a routine health examination which includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.
For some it could be because they are happy with their medication and don't require any further discussion on their titration. If you need to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in more detail, it is possible that you will be referred back to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. In this instance the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will be administered via the private prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.