The Reason Why Private ADHD Titration Is Everyone's Obsession In 2023
Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.
Our service can provide private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This includes a thorough medical history and an evaluation using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed whether medication may be beneficial in your case. 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 explain the different options available for you to take medication and, if you choose to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take several weeks and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It is not unusual to have to titrate two or three medicines before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential that parents participate in the titration process and be aware of their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor if the medication is helping or causing adverse 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 must attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is complete and you are satisfied, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment will usually be conducted via zoom video call. However, in certain circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only appointment 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 an assessment of your medication dose and an examination of any adverse effects you may be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 by video or phone consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your family history and the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it's vital to examine your family history to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this condition.
It is essential to be honest and transparent to the doctor during this assessment, as the information they receive will be used to determine if your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step, since an incorrect diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you have decided that you would like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. This can be scheduled in the wake of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.
If you're not sure what your preference is, we suggest that you talk to your GP prior to booking your private examination as some providers have different rules regarding whether they require a GP referral letter or not. We also recommend that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement that means that once discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for medication.
Medication
Medication is a key element of the process for many who are looking for a private ADHD diagnosis. It can be difficult to get an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer their 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 select an organization that offers an assessment and titration. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly when you are on a tight schedule.
If you are recommended by this method your chosen doctor will assess you and decide whether or not you need to be adjusted on your medication. You'll have to complete forms that vary by doctor, but the most common ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories going to childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are reasons that suggest you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, 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 tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need several additional appointments before you are stable on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are stable on the medication, document any side effects you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.
For some individuals it could be that they are happy with their medication and don't require a further discussion about their titration. If, however, they do need further discussions about the titration process and treatment plan, it is possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that made their initial assessment. In this scenario the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be administered via an individual prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.