Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems as well as an increase in demand worldwide.

Our service is private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and 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 typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.

Following your assessment you will be informed if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will take place at your follow up appointment (which could be in person, via video link or via phone). Your doctor will explain what medication options are available and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This is a process which could take a few weeks, and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It is not unusual to need to titrate three or four medications before finding the one that is best for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential for parents to participate in this titration for adhd process and keep an 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 a private prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll be required to attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also mandatory.

Follow-up appointments

After the assessment is completed you will be able to book follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist, as necessary. The appointment usually takes place via a zoom video call however in some instances it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).

We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include a review and discussion of your dosage of medication and any adverse effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration appointments is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be having or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is crucial that we assess any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.

During this assessment it is essential to be truthful and honest with the clinician in the sense that they will be using the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step because the wrong diagnosis can result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.

If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this field. If you'd like to start treatment right away it is possible to start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk with your GP prior to booking your private examination. Some providers have different policies regarding whether they require an GP letter. Check if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic for prescription medication.

Medication

For many who wish to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a crucial part of their journey. The process of getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and lengthy. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

Asking your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry - UK and ADHD 360). You can select a provider who offers a private assessment service and the titration. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly in the event of a hectic work schedule.

If you are referred, your clinician will examine your condition to determine if you need medication titration. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the most important ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any factors that might suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they are prescribed.

If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to include a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration process can be long and could require several additional appointments before you're able to stay on your dose.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They can be scheduled for monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure whether you are stable on the medication, titration process document any side effects that you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dose. You'll also be required to attend a regular health check that may include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements as well as an annual check-up.

For some individuals it could be because they are happy with their medication and don't need any further discussion on their titration. If, however, they do need further discussions about the titration process and treatment plan, it's possible to be passed back to the private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be part of their consultation fee and they will be given their medication on an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). It could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.