Private ADHD Titration

There is a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems as well as an increase in demand worldwide.

Our service provides private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes medical history and an assessment using the standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.

After your examination, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your specific situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, via video link or over the phone). Your physician will explain to you the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will suggest titrating the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This is a process which may take several weeks, and involves adjusting your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It's not uncommon to need to adjust two or three medicines before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must take part in this process of titration and keep an eye on their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.

Unless you have decided to return to NHS treatment and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with an individual prescription that you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication, which includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the evaluation has been completed, you'll be able to book follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. The appointment usually takes place through a video call using zoom however in some instances it may be possible to do 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 program. This will include an assessment of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with your relationships that you may be experiencing or other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it's vital to look into your family's background to determine if you are at a greater risk of developing this disorder.

During this examination, it is vital to be truthful and honest with your doctor, as they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step, since a wrong diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.

If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. If you'd like to start treatment immediately, you can do this when you are diagnosed. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

If you aren't sure what your preference is, we suggest that you talk to your GP prior to booking your private examination as some providers have different rules regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. Make sure that your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them after you leave the clinic for prescriptions for medication.

Medication

The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many who are looking for a private ADHD diagnosis. The process of getting an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.

Inquiring your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry - UK and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers an assessment on your own and method titration. This can reduce your wait time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a busy schedule.

Once you've been diagnosed, your doctor will assess your condition to determine if you need medication titration. You'll need to complete forms that differ by provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories that go to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are any factors that could mean that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, even if they have been prescribed.

If you are being titrated on medication, it is likely to include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be thoroughly examined and In My area monitored to determine the best combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need some additional appointments before you are stable on your dosage.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and amount of medication you are taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician making sure that you are stable on the medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are on a safe dosage. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and routine health examination which includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.

For some people, it may be that they are satisfied with their medication and don't need any further discussion on their titration. If you're required to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in my area more detail it is possible that you'll be sent to the private clinic who performed your initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in their consultation fee, and they will receive their medication on private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.