What Is Private ADHD Titration And Why Are We Talking About It?

Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.

Our service can offer private ADHD treatment as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history and an evaluation using the typical ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

Following your assessment you will be advised if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, by video link or by phone). Your physician will go over the different options for medication available. If you decide to start taking medication, we will help you to titrate your dose to ensure the best balance of benefits and side effects for you.

This is a process which may take several weeks, and requires adjusting your child's dosage gradually until the proper balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate up to three different medications before you find the one that best suits your child's ADHD. Parents must take part in this process of titration 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 return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

After the assessment is completed, you'll be able to make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. The appointment is usually done through a zoom video call. However, in certain circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).

At this point, we will discuss treatment options and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration program. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as a discussion around any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. 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 having or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic condition and it is important to look into any family history that could indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.

It is important to be honest and transparent with the clinician during the assessment, since the information they gather will be used to determine if your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step because a wrong diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you have decided that you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. This can be done within the first few days of your diagnosis if are keen to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if you would like more time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the options that are available to you.

We suggest that if are unsure about your preferences, you speak to your GP prior to booking your private assessment. Certain providers have different policies on whether they require an GP letter. Make sure that your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic to get a medication prescription.

Medication

Medication is a key element of the process for many who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.

Inquiring 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 a provider that offers a private assessment and titration service. This will help you save time and be more convenient, particularly when you are on a tight schedule.

If you are recommended, your physician will evaluate you to determine if require medication adjustment.  This Resource site  will be asked to fill in forms that vary by provider but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any factors that might suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they are prescribed.

If you are titrated, the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The titration process may be long and could require several additional appointments before you're able to stay on your dosage.

Based on the type of medication you are taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure whether you are safe with the medication, note any adverse reactions you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.

Some patients may be content with their treatment and don't have to discuss their titration in more detail. If, however, they require further discussions regarding their titration and treatment plan it's possible to be referred back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this scenario the titration is included in the consultation fee. The medication will be given via an individual prescription. This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.