Private ADHD Titration

There is a current national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems as well as an increased demand in the world.

Our service is able to offer private adhd titration waiting list treatment as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.

Titration

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

After your examination You will be advised that medication may be beneficial 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 physician will explain to you what medication options are available and, if you choose to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This is a process which may take several weeks, and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the appropriate balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medicines before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It's important for parents to take part in this process of titration and keep a close eye on their child's behavior to let the doctor know whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.

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

Follow-up appointments

Once the evaluation has been completed, you'll be able to make appointment with the psychiatrist as appropriate. Usually the appointment will take place on zoom video call, although in certain cases it might be possible to schedule an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).

We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication titration. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose, as well as any adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration appointments is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. 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 symptoms on your life and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it's vital to examine your family history in order to determine if you're at chance of developing this condition.

During the assessment, it is crucial that you are truthful and honest with your doctor who will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.

If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist who specializes in this field. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if want to start treatment right away, or within two weeks if want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the options that are available to you.

We suggest that if are unsure of your preferences, you talk with your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Certain providers have different policies regarding whether they require a GP letter. We also recommend that you check whether your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the prescription for medication.

Medication

For many people who seek an individual diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a crucial aspect of their journey. It can be difficult to get a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

One way to get around this is to ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose a provider that offers an assessment and titration service. This can reduce your wait time significantly and is more convenient if you're working and have a hectic schedule.

After you've been referred through this route your chosen doctor will evaluate you and determine whether or not you need to be titrated on medication. You will be asked to fill in forms that differ by doctor but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are any factors that could mean you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, even in the event that they've been prescribed.

If you are on a titration medication, it is likely to include a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They will be assessed and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dosage.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and amount of medication you're taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure whether you are stable on the medication, note any side effects you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You will also be required to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings as well as an annual review.

For some individuals it could be that they are happy with their medication and don't require a further discussion about their titration adhd medication. If you're looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in more detail it is possible that you'll be sent back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. In this case the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be given via the private titration adhd prescription. It could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.