Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems and an increased global demand.

Our service is able to offer private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history, as well as an evaluation using the typical ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

After your evaluation, you will be advised that medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, by video link or by phone). Your physician will go over the different options for medication available. If you decide to start medication, we can help you to titrate your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.

This is a process which can take several weeks and requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is reached. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medications until you discover 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 to inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing side effects.

If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will be issued a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You must attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the assessment is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make appointment with the psychiatrist. Usually the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom however in some instances it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).

At this point we will discuss any treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration program. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage and a discussion around any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration consultations 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 also inquire with you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with your relationships that you may be facing or any other mental health issues you may be experiencing. ADHD is a genetic condition, which is why it's crucial to assess your family background to determine if you're at risk of developing this disorder.

It is crucial to be honest and titration truthful with the clinician during this assessment, as the information they gather will be used to determine if your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is an essential part of the process, as failing to do so could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.

If you've decided that you would like to receive treatment 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 want to start treatment immediately, or within two weeks if want to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the options available to you.

We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private assessment. Certain providers have different policies regarding whether or not they require an GP letter. We also recommend to check if your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement that means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for the medication.

Medication

For many people who seek a private diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a crucial part of their journey. It isn't easy to obtain a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

Requesting your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry - UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose one that provides an assessment and titration service. This can reduce your wait time significantly and is more convenient if you are working and have a full schedule.

After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will assess your condition to determine if you need medication titration. You will need to complete forms that are different for each provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories that go back to childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician determine any issues that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication if prescribed.

If you are on a titration medication, this will usually be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into account any existing conditions you have. The titration process can be long and could require a few extra appointments before you are stable on your dose.

Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure 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 dose that is safe. You are required to attend an annual review as well as a routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.

For some people it could be that they are happy with their medication and don't need a further discussion about their titration. If, however, they require further discussion about their titration and treatment plan it is possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that performed their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee, and they will be given their medication via private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.