Private ADHD Titration
There is a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service is able to offer private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This will include medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, by video link or over the phone). Your clinician will discuss the different options for medication available. If you decide to start taking medication, we will offer you the option of titrating your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.
This process could take several weeks, and involves gradually adjusting your child’s medication until the appropriate balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to to titrate up to three different medications before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep a close eye on their child's behaviour to inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will be issued an individual prescription for your medication. You will have to pay the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you will be able to book appointment with the psychiatrist as necessary. The appointment is typically conducted through a zoom video call. However, in certain instances, it could be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and choose a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage and any side effects that you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration sessions is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.
The psychiatrist will ask questions about your family history, the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you might be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is crucial that we assess any family history that could indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.
It is important to be honest and transparent with your doctor during this evaluation, as the information they get will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step in the process since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. This can be done in the wake of your diagnosis if are eager to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if want to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.
We suggest that if are unsure about your preferences, talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Certain providers have different guidelines regarding whether or not they require the submission of a GP letter. We also advise to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement that means that once you are discharged from the clinic, you will be referred back to them for the prescription for the medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential aspect of the treatment process for many who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't easy to obtain a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
Inquiring titration service 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. This can reduce your wait time considerably and can be more convenient if you are working and have a hectic schedule.
After you've been recommended by this method your chosen doctor will evaluate you and determine whether or not you need to be adjusted on your medication. You will need to fill out forms that are different for each provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories that go back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will consist of stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to determine the best combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The titration process may be long and could require a few extra appointments before you're able to stay on your dose.
Depending on the type 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, document any adverse reactions you have experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also have to attend a regular health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and don't have to discuss their titration in more detail. If, however, they do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plans, it's possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in their consultation fee, and they will be given their medication via an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.