Private ADHD Titration

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

Our service can offer private ADHD titration adhd medications as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This includes a thorough medical history, and an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

After your examination You will be advised whether medication is appropriate for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, by video link or over the phone). Your clinician will discuss the different options for medication available. If you decide to start taking medication, we will help you to titrate your 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 need to adjust three or four medications before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must take part in this process of titration and keep a close watchful eye on their child's behavior to let the doctor know if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.

If you decide to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as a prescription from a private pharmacy that you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You will need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the evaluation has been completed, you will be able to make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if necessary. Usually the appointment will take place via a zoom video call, although in certain cases it might be possible to schedule an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).

At this point we will discuss treatment options and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration plan. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage, as well as any side effects you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for ADHD Titration online or telephone video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any medication costs.

The psychiatrist will ask questions about your family history as well as the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is because ADHD is a genetic disorder and it is crucial that we assess any family history that might indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.

It is important that you are honest and transparent with your doctor during this assessment, as the information they gather will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step because the wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescription.

If you've decided you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. If you want to start treatment immediately, you can do this when you are diagnosed. Or you can wait two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

We recommend that if you are unsure of your preferences, talk to your GP prior to booking your private examination. Certain providers have different policies on whether they require the submission of a GP letter. We also advise 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 medication prescription.

Medication

For many who wish to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a key element of their treatment. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and lengthy. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.

One method to circumvent this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and adhd titration uk 360). This means you can select one that provides an assessment and titration. This can help you save time and be more convenient, particularly when you are on a tight work schedule.

If you are diagnosed, your doctor will examine you to determine if need medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill out forms that vary by provider but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are any reasons that suggest you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, when they've been prescribed.

If you are on a titration medication, this will usually consist of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to find the best combination for you, taking into account any medical conditions you may have. The titration process can be lengthy and may require several additional appointments before you're stable on your dosage.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are safe with the medication, record any adverse reactions you have experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a dose that is safe. You'll also be required to undergo a regular health check that may include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.

Some patients may be content with their medication, and therefore do not need to discuss their titration further. For those who require further discussions regarding their titration and treatment plan it's possible to be passed back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. In this scenario the titration is included in the consultation fee. The medication will be given via the private prescription. This could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.