Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.

Our service is able to offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees 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 evaluation using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

After your evaluation After your assessment, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your specific situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, via video link or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will offer you the opportunity to increase your dosage to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.

This is a process which can take several weeks. It requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to need to titrate two or three medicines before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It's important for parents to participate in this titration process, and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.

Unless you have decided to return to NHS treatment the medication you take will be provided with a private prescription which you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You must attend every six months to check your medication. This includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual checks are also required.

Follow-up appointments

After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment will usually be conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some instances, it could be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again with an additional cost).

We will then discuss the options for treatment and private then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include an assessment of your medication dose and a discussion around any adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history, the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any mental health issues you might be suffering from. This is because ADHD can be a genetic condition and it is essential to look into any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.

It is important that you are honest and truthful with your doctor during this assessment, as the information they gather will be used to determine whether your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step in the process because if you don't do it, it could result in an incorrect diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD, we'll arrange a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. If you want to start treatment right away it is possible to start treatment when you are diagnosed. You can also take two weeks to think about the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

If you're not sure which one you prefer, we suggest that you speak to your GP prior to booking your private assessment as some providers have different policies regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also recommend that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be referred back to them for the prescription for the medication.

Medication

For many who wish to obtain a private diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a key part of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs are often 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 choose a provider that offers a private assessment and titration service. This can cut down on wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you're working and have a busy schedule.

Once you've been referred, your clinician will examine you to determine if you require medication titration. You will be asked to fill out forms that are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. They will help your physician determine any issues that could suggest you should not take ADHD medication if prescribed.

If you are being titrated, the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. 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 can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before your dose is stable.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking that you are on the right medication, recording any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain in a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review and a routine health examination which includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.

For some individuals, it may be that they are happy with their medication and don't require an additional discussion regarding their titration. For those who do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plan it's possible to be passed back to the same private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in the consultation fees and they will receive their medication via a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.