Private ADHD Titration

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

Our service is able to provide private ADHD treatment as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

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

After your assessment, you will be informed whether medication is appropriate for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow up appointment (which could be in person via video link or by phone). Your doctor will go over the different options for medication available. If you decide to begin medication, we will help you the option of titrating your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This process could take several weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child’s medication until the right balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medications before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. Parents must take part in this process of titration, and keep an eye on their child's behaviour to inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.

If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You will be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the assessment is completed, you can schedule follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. Usually the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom however in some instances it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).

At this point, we will discuss any treatment options and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as a discussion of any possible side effects you might be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 by video or phone consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history as well as the impact of your adhd titration meaning symptoms on your life, and any mental health issues you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, so it's important to examine your family history in order to determine if you are at risk of developing this disorder.

During the assessment, it is essential to be truthful and open with the doctor who will be using the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step in the process, because if you don't do it, it could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.

If you've decided you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. This can be scheduled in the wake of your diagnosis if you are eager to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.

We suggest that if are unsure of your preferences, talk with your GP prior to booking your private examination. Some providers have different policies on whether or not they require the submission of a GP letter. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for medication.

Medication

For many people who seek a private diagnosis of ADHD, medication is an important part of their journey. It isn't always 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 their patients to specialist services.

Requesting 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. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, especially in the event of a hectic schedule.

If you are identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will examine you and decide whether or not you need to be titrated on medication. You will need to fill out forms that are different for each provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories going to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor determine any issues that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication if prescribed.

If you are titrated on medication, it will typically be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the best combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration can be long and may require several extra appointments before the dose becomes stable.

Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You will also be required to undergo a regular health check that may include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual check-up.

Some people may be satisfied with their medication, and do not need to discuss their titration further. However, for those who require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it's possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in their consultation fees and they will be given their medication via private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.