Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and an increased global demand.
Our service can provide private ADHD testing 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 carried out by a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history, and an assessment using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be advised that medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link, or over the phone). Your physician will explain to you what medication options are available and if you decide to start on medication we will offer to titrate dosage to ensure the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process may take several weeks, and involves gradually adjusting your child's medication until the proper balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate two or three medicines before finding the one that is best for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must be involved in this titration process and keep an eye on their child's behavior so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS treatment, your medication will be issued with an individual prescription that you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You will be required to attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication - this includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make appointment with the psychiatrist. Typically, his explanation will take place via a zoom video call however in some instances it might be possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).
We will then go over treatment options and choose the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose, as well as any adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history and the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any mental health issues that you might be suffering from. ADHD can be 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 disorder.
It is important to be honest and open to the doctor during this evaluation, as the information they receive will be used to determine if your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step because a wrong diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. This can be scheduled at the time of your diagnosis if you are eager to begin treatment immediately or within two weeks if you want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, talk to your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies on whether or not they require a GP letter. Make sure that your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means that 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 treatment is an important part of their journey. The process of getting an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Requesting your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose an organization that offers a private assessment and titration service. This will help you reduce time and be more convenient, especially when you are on a tight work schedule.
After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will assess you to determine if you require medication adjustment. You'll need to fill out forms that differ by provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to your childhood and into adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The titration process can be long and may require a number of additional appointments before the dose becomes stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are safe with the medication, record any side effects you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You'll also be required to attend a routine health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.
For some it could be because they are content with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you need to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan more thoroughly, it is possible that you'll be referred to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be part of their consultation fees and they will receive their medication on an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.