Private ADHD Titration
There is a national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and a growing global demand.
Our service provides private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. method titration cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This includes medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be informed if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will happen at your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person, via video link or via phone). Your clinician 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 can take several weeks, and requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is reached. It is not uncommon to to titrate as high as three different medicines before you find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It's important for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep an eye on their child's behavior, so that they can inform the doctor if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment, you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You will be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment has been completed, you'll be able to book appointment with your psychiatrist, if necessary. The appointment is typically conducted through a zoom video call. However, in some instances, it could be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication, as well as any adverse effects you might be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 by video or phone consultation. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, including any issues with your relationships that you may be facing or any other mental health issues you may be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is essential that we assess any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is essential that you are honest and open with the clinician during this assessment, 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 incorrect diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you've decided that you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this field. If you'd like to start treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment when you are diagnosed. You can also take two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk with your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Certain providers have different policies on whether they require a GP letter. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the prescription for medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain a private diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a key aspect of their journey. Finding prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One way to get around this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means you can select one that provides an assessment and titration service. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient if you're working and have a busy schedule.
Once you have been recommended by this method, your chosen clinician will assess you and decide whether or not you need to be adjusted on your medication. You will be asked to fill in forms that differ by doctor but the main ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. They will help your physician determine any issues that could indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it will typically include a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They will be tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may require a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dose.
Depending on the kind of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are on the right medication, noting any adverse effects you have had and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are in a safe dosage. You are required to attend an annual health check-up and routine health examination which includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and do not require discussing their titration further. If, however, they require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it is possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this scenario, the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will be given via an individual prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.