Private ADHD Titration
There is a national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems as well as an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service can offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This includes medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After ADHD titration waiting list After your assessment, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your particular situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link, or over the phone). Your doctor will explain the various options for medication and if you decide to begin taking medication, we will offer to titrate the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process could take several weeks, and requires gradually altering your child's dosage until the appropriate balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate as high as three different medicines before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to participate in this titration process, and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior to inform the doctor if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care the medication you take will be provided with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You must attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment has been completed you will be able to book appointment with the psychiatrist as necessary. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. In some cases, it may be possible for an audio-only appointment to be conducted (again with an additional cost).
In this session, we'll discuss treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose and any side effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history and the impact 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. ADHD is a genetic condition, and it's vital to look into your family's history in order to determine if you are at a higher chance of developing this condition.
During this examination, it is crucial that you are truthful and honest with the clinician, as they will use the information you provide to determine whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step in the process since a failure to do so could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD We'll set up an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. If you want to start treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment when you are diagnosed. You can also wait two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
If you're not sure what you would prefer We suggest you speak with your GP before booking your private appointment as certain providers have different policies about whether they require an GP referral letter or not. Find out if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic for prescription medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain an individual diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a crucial aspect of their journey. It can be difficult to get prescriptions from psychiatrists 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 you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry - UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose one that provides a private assessment and titration service. This can reduce your wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient when you are working and have a busy schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will assess you and decide whether or not you require to be adjusted on your medication. You will need to fill out forms that are different for each provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories that go back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are factors that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication, even in the event that they've been 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 effective combination for you, taking into account any existing conditions you have. The titration procedure can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before the dose becomes stable.
Depending on the kind of medication you are taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are safe with the medication, record any adverse reactions you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also be required to undergo a regular health check which can include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings as well as an annual review.
For some individuals, it may be that they are happy with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're required to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan more thoroughly it is possible that you will be referred back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. In this scenario, the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be given via an individual prescription. This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.