Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and an increased demand in the world.
Our service provides private adhd medication titration ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history, and an assessment using the standard adhd titration meaning [see this here] questionnaires and rating scales.
Following your assessment you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, by video link or by phone). Your clinician will discuss the different options for medication available. If you decide to begin medication, we can help you to titrate your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take a few weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's dosage until the right balance is achieved. It is not unusual to need to adjust several times before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is crucial that parents are involved in the titration and keep an eye out for their child's behavior so that they can inform doctors whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with a private prescription which you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You will be required to attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed you will be able to schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if necessary. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review of your medication dose and a discussion around any negative side effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history and the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you might be suffering from. This is because ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is important to examine any family history that could suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is important that you are honest and open with your doctor during this assessment, as the information they receive will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a vital step in the process because if you don't do it, it could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you have decided that you would like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this field. This can be scheduled in the wake of your diagnosis if you are eager to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if prefer to take time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities that are available to you.
If you aren't sure what your preference is We suggest you talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private adhd medication titration assessment as some providers have different rules regarding whether they require a GP referral letter or not. Find out if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.
Medication
For many people who seek a private diagnosis of ADHD medication is a key element of their treatment. Getting prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and lengthy. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can choose a service that provides a private assessment service and titration. This can help you to save time and also be more convenient, particularly in the event of a hectic schedule.
Once you've been diagnosed, your doctor will assess your condition to determine if you need medication titration. You'll need to complete forms that vary by doctor however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories that go 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 on a titration medication, this will usually consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be thoroughly assessed and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you. The titration process can be a lengthy process and may require several extra appointments before the dose becomes stable.
Based on the type of medication you are taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking to see if you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to attend a regular 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 do not have to discuss their titration further. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan more thoroughly it is likely that you'll be sent to the private adhd medication titration clinic who made your initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee, and they will be given their medication through an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.