The History Of Private ADHD Titration In 10 Milestones Read the Full Write-up

There is a national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.

Our service offers private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.

Titration


A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.

After your evaluation, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which can take place 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 begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.

This is a process which can take several weeks and requires adjusting your child's dosage gradually until the appropriate balance is achieved. It is not unusual to have to titrate several times before finding the one that is best for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is crucial that parents participate in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.

If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You must attend six-monthly appointments to check your medication. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the assessment has been completed, you'll be able to schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if necessary. The appointment will usually be conducted via zoom video call. However, in some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be conducted (again at an additional cost).

We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include an assessment of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible adverse effects you may be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be experiencing or other mental health problems that you may be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD is an inheritable condition, and it is essential that we assess any family history that could indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.

It is essential that you are honest and truthful with your doctor during this evaluation, as the information they gather will be used to determine if your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step, as a wrong diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. If you'd like to start treatment immediately, you can do this when you are diagnosed. Or you can wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.

We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Certain providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require a GP letter. Make sure that your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic for prescription medication.

Medication

The medication process is an essential element of the process for many people who are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. Getting prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can select an organization that offers an assessment and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient if you're working and have a hectic schedule.

After you have been referred, your clinician will assess you to determine if require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill in forms that vary by provider but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are any circumstances that indicate you shouldn't take ADHD medication, when they've been prescribed.

If you are on a titration medication, this will usually consist of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any medical conditions you may have. The process of titration can be long and could require some additional appointments before you're able to stay on your dose.

Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking to see if you are taking the correct medication, logging any side effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to attend a regular health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.

Some people may be satisfied with their treatment and do not have to discuss their titration further. If you're required to discuss your titration or treatment plan further it is possible that you'll be referred back to the private clinic who performed your initial assessment. In this scenario, the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be given via a private prescription. This can cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.