Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and an increased global demand.
Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This will include an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your evaluation, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, via video link or by telephone). Your physician will go over the different options for medication 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.
Iam Psychiatry is a process which can take several weeks, and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the appropriate balance is reached. It is not uncommon to have to titrate as high as three different medications until you discover the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to participate in this titration process, and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior, so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment, you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You must attend every six months to check your medication - this includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you will be able to schedule appointment with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. The appointment is typically conducted via zoom video call. However, in certain cases, it may be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again with an additional cost).
At this point, we will discuss any treatment options we have and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration plan. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose, as well as any side effects you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history as well as the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any mental health issues that you might be suffering from. ADHD is a genetic condition, and it's vital to look into your family's background to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this disorder.
It is essential that you are honest and transparent with your doctor during this assessment, as the information they receive will be used to determine whether your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is an essential step in the process since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you have decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if are keen to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if want 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 it is recommended that you speak to your GP prior to booking your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement', which means that once you are discharged from the clinic you will be referred back to them for the medication prescription.
Medication
Medication is an integral aspect of the treatment process for many people who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. Getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and lengthy. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
One way to get around this is to ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can select an organization that offers an assessment and titration service. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
If you are identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will evaluate you and determine whether or not you need to be titrated on medication. You will need to complete forms that vary by doctor however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it will typically be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The titration can be a lengthy process and may require multiple appointments before you are stable.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking that you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you've experienced and making any necessary adjustments 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.
Some people may be satisfied with their medication and do not require discussing their titration process further. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in more detail, it is possible that you'll be sent to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fees and they will receive their medication on an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.