Say "Yes" To These 5 Private ADHD Titration Tips
Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and an increased global demand.
Our service is able to offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This will include a medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your assessment, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, by video link, or over the phone). Your doctor will explain what medication options are available and if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and it involves gradually altering your child's dosage until the proper balance is achieved. It is not unusual to have to titrate two or three medicines before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must be involved in this titration process, and keep an eye on their child's behaviour to let the doctor know whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will be issued an individual prescription for your medication. You will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication - this includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you will be able to make appointment with your psychiatrist, if necessary. The appointment will usually be conducted by video conference using zoom. In some circumstances, it might be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options we have and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose and any side effects 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 charge you for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be facing or any other mental health issues you may be suffering from. ADHD is a genetic condition, which is why it's crucial to examine your family history in order to determine if you're at a greater risk of developing this disorder.
It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor during this assessment, as the information they receive will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a vital part of the process, as failing to do so could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD We'll set up an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. If you'd like to start treatment immediately you can start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.

If you aren't sure what your preference is it is recommended that you speak with your GP prior to booking your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. Find out if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic for prescription medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential element of the process for many people looking for a private ADHD diagnosis. Getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and long-winded. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Asking your GP to refer you to 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 a private assessment and titration service. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient if you're working and have a full schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be titrated on medication. You'll need to complete forms that vary by doctor but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are any reasons that suggest you shouldn't take ADHD medication, even when they've been prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be carefully examined and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration can be long and may require multiple appointments before your dose is stable.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking that you are stable on the medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are on a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review as well as a regular health check-up that includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.
For some it could be because they are satisfied with their medication and don't require a further discussion about their titration. For
titration of adhd medication who do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plans, it's possible to be referred 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 provided through a private prescription. This could cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.