Why Private ADHD Titration Is Everywhere This Year
Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems and an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service offers private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a thorough medical history, as well as an assessment using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will happen at your follow up appointment (which can be scheduled in person, via video link or by telephone). Your doctor will explain what medication options are available and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and requires gradually altering your child’s medication until the proper balance is reached. It is not uncommon to to titrate up to three different medicines before you can find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It is essential for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep a close eye on their child's behaviour 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 be issued an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. Typically, the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom, although in certain cases it might be possible to do an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dosage and any adverse effects you may be experiencing. These 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 also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, including any relationship issues you might be facing or any other mental health problems that you may be suffering from. This is because ADHD is an inheritable condition, and it is essential to look into any family history that may suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is important to be honest and open with the clinician during the assessment, since 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 because if you don't do it, it could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you have decided that you'd like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. If you'd like to start treatment immediately you can start treatment at the time of diagnosis. 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 to your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies on whether or not they require an GP letter. We also suggest that you check whether your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic, you will be returned to them for the prescription for medication.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is a crucial part of their journey. Getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and lengthy. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to avoid this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can select a provider that offers an assessment on your own and the titration. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a busy schedule.
After you have been recommended, your physician will evaluate your condition to determine if you require medication titration. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are any circumstances that indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, in the event that they've been prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medications.
This Resource site will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the best combination for you, taking into account any medical conditions you may have. The process of titration can be lengthy and may require a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dosage.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking to see if you are stable on the medication, logging any side effects you've experienced and making any adjustments needed to ensure you are on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to undergo a regular health check which can include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual review.
For some people it could be because they are satisfied with their medication and don't need any further discussion on their titration. However, for those who require further discussions regarding their titration and treatment plans, it's possible to be passed back to the private clinic that performed their initial assessment. In this case the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be given via an individual prescription. This may cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.