Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand.
Our service is private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After what is it worth , you will be informed if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which can be scheduled in person by video link, in person or by telephone). Your doctor will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to start medication, we will offer you to titrate your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take several weeks, and requires gradually altering your child’s medication until the appropriate balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to need to adjust two or three medicines before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential that parents are involved in the titration process and be on the lookout for their child's behavior, so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse reactions.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care the medication you take will be given as a prescription from a private pharmacy that you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You'll be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication - this includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you'll be able to make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist as necessary. The appointment will usually be conducted via zoom video call. In some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose, as well as any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration appointments is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any charges for medication.
The doctor will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be having or other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, so it's important to look into your family's history to determine if you're at a higher chance of developing this condition.
During this assessment it is essential to be truthful and honest with the clinician who will use the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential step in the process, as failing to do so could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you've decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this field. If you want to start treatment right away it is possible to start treatment at the time of diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
We suggest that if are unsure of your preferences, you speak to your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require an GP letter. We also advise that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for the medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain a private diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a crucial element of their treatment. It isn't easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to request your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can choose a service that provides a private assessment service and the titration. This will help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly when you are on a tight work schedule.
Once you've been referred, your clinician will evaluate you to determine if need medication titration. You'll have to fill out forms that differ by provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories that go to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are factors that could mean that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications, when they've been prescribed.
If you are titrated, the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulant 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 can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before the dose becomes stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication that you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check that you are stable with the medication, document any side effects that you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also be required to undergo a regular health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual review.
For some individuals, it may be that they are content with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in more detail, it is possible that you will be referred to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. In this instance the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be administered via an individual prescription. This could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.