Private ADHD Titration
There is a current national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.
Our service is able to provide private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This will include an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your evaluation, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your particular situation. This will be discussed during 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 offer you the opportunity to increase your dosage to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take a few weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's medication until the right balance is reached. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medications before you can find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. Parents must take part in this process of titration and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior to inform the doctor if the medicine is helping or causing side effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will be issued an individual prescription for your medication. You will have to pay the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted via zoom video call. However, in certain instances, it could be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage and any side effects that you might be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history, the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it's vital to assess your family history to determine if you're at a greater chance of developing this condition.
During this assessment it is crucial that you are truthful and open with the doctor, as they will use the information you provide to determine whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step because the wrong diagnosis can result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD, we'll arrange a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. This can be scheduled at the time of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives available to you.
If you are unsure of which one you prefer, we suggest that you speak with your GP before booking your private appointment as certain providers have different rules regarding whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. We also recommend to check if 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 prescription for medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential element of the process for many who are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. Getting prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can select a provider who offers an assessment that is private and the titration. ADHD titration waiting list will cut down your waiting time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you're working and have a full schedule.
Once you have been recommended by this method the doctor you choose will assess you and decide whether or not you're required to be titrated on medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that vary by provider but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are reasons that suggest that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, even in the event that they've been prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, this will usually be a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the best combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration process can be long and may require a number of additional appointments before your dose is stable.
Depending on the kind of medication you're taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are stable on the medication, document any side effects you've experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also have to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication and do not have to discuss their titration further. If you're required to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further it is likely that you'll be referred to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. In this instance, the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be provided through a private prescription. This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.