Private ADHD Titration
There is a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.
Our service can offer private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include 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 thorough medical history, as well as an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be advised if medication is considered to be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, via video link or over the phone). Your doctor will explain the different options available for you to take medication and, if you choose to start on medication we will offer to titrate the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process may take several weeks, and requires adjusting your child's dosage gradually until the appropriate balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medications until you discover the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It's important for parents to take part in this process of titration, and keep an eye on their child's behaviour so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be provided with a private prescription which you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You must attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed you will be able to book follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. In some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
adhd titration private list will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication titration. This will include a review of your medication dose and a discussion around any negative side effects you may be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your family history, the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any mental health issues that you might be suffering from. This is because ADHD is a genetic condition and it is essential that we assess any family history that may suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During this examination, it is crucial that you are honest 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 crucial step because the wrong diagnosis can result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD We'll set up an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if you want to start treatment right away or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities that are available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private examination. Some providers have different policies regarding whether or not they require a GP letter. We also suggest that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement', which means that once you are discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the medication prescription.
Medication
For many people who want a private diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key part of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients on 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 360). This means you can select one that provides a private assessment and titration service. This can help you to save time and also be more convenient, particularly in the event of a hectic schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will evaluate you and determine whether or not you need to be titrated on medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are reasons that suggest that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, if they have been prescribed.
If you are being titrated the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration process may be long and could require several additional appointments before you're stable on your dosage.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and amount of medication you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking that you are taking the correct medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to attend a routine health check which can include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.
For some it could be because they are content with their medication and don't require an additional discussion regarding their titration. For those who require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it is possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that performed their initial assessment. In this scenario the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will be administered via the private prescription. This could cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.