Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems as well as an increased demand in the world.
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 ADHD adults will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history, as well as an evaluation using the typical ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your assessment, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your particular situation. This will be discussed at 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 taking medication, we can help you to titrate your dose to optimize 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's not uncommon to need to adjust several times before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It's important for parents to be involved in this titration process, and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior, so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment, your medication 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 will need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed you will be able to schedule follow up appointments with the psychiatrist as necessary. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. In some circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and choose the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage and any adverse effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any charges for medication.
The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be facing or any other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, which is why it's crucial to look into your family's history to determine if you're at a greater risk of developing this disorder.
During this examination, it is essential that you are truthful and honest with your doctor, as they will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step, as a wrong diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.
If you've decided you'd like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. If you want to start treatment right away, you can do this at the time of diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
If you aren't sure what your preference is We suggest you talk to your GP before booking your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. Find out if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them after you leave the clinic for prescriptions for medication.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is an important part of their journey. Finding an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and long-winded. 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 you can select a provider that offers an assessment and titration. This can help you to save time and also be more convenient, especially in the event of a hectic work schedule.
Once you've been referred, your clinician will examine you to determine if need medication titration. You will be asked to fill in forms that vary by provider but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are reasons that suggest that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, if they have been prescribed.
If you are being titrated on medication, it will typically include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you. The titration process can be long and could require several additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.
Depending on the kind of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor making sure that you are on the right medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you're on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to attend a routine health check which can include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and don't have to discuss their titration in more detail. For those who require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it's possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this instance, the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be provided through an individual prescription. This could cost more than a prescription from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.