Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and a growing global demand.
Our service is private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed at your follow up appointment (which could be in person, via video link or by phone). Your clinician will discuss the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will help you to titrate your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.
This process may take several weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's dosage until the right balance is reached. visit this website link is not uncommon to to titrate as high as three different medications before you find the one that best suits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to participate in this titration process and keep a close eye on their child's behaviour so that they can inform the doctor if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS treatment and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be provided with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You'll be required to attend every six months to check your medication - this includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment has been completed, you'll be able to schedule appointment with the psychiatrist as necessary. Typically, the appointment will take place via a zoom video call, although in certain cases it is possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose and any side effects you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration appointments is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.
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 might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it's vital to examine your family history in order to determine if you're at a higher chance of developing this condition.
It is important that you are honest and open with the clinician during this evaluation, as the information they gather will be used to determine whether your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step, as an incorrect diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you've decided you would like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this field. This can be done within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if would like more time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.
If you aren't sure which one you prefer it is recommended that you talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment as certain providers have different rules regarding whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. Make sure that your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.
Medication
Medication is a key part of the journey for many people looking for a private ADHD diagnosis. It can be difficult to get an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
One method to avoid this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers an assessment that is private and the titration. This can cut down on wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you are working and have a full schedule.
If you are recommended by this method, your chosen clinician will examine you and decide whether or not you're required to be titrated on medication. You will need to complete forms that vary by doctor, but the most common ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories dating back to childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any factors that might suggest you should not take ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it is likely to include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any medical conditions you may have. The titration process may be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication that you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are stable on the medication, record any side effects that you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dose. You'll also have to attend a routine health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.
For some individuals, it may be that they are content with their medication and don't require an additional discussion regarding their titration. If, however, they require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it's possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this instance the titration is included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be administered via a private prescription. This could cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.