Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems 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 are free and include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

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

After your evaluation, you will be advised that medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will take place at your follow up appointment (which can be scheduled in person by video link, in person or by telephone). Your doctor will explain what is Titration in adhd medication options are available and if you decide to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating the dose to maximize the balance of benefits and side effects for you.

This process can take several weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's medication until the appropriate balance has been achieved. It's not uncommon to have to titrate several times before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must participate in this titration process and keep an eye on their child's behaviour to inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.

If you do not decide to return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as a private prescription which you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual exams are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the assessment has been completed you will be able to make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. Typically, the appointment will take place on zoom video call however in some instances it may be possible to schedule an audio only consultation (again at an extra cost).

We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication adjustment. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage and a discussion of any possible side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration sessions is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, including any relationship issues you might be having or other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is crucial to look into any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.

During the assessment, it is vital that you are honest and open with the doctor in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine if you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital 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 be treated for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this field. This can be done within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are eager to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if would like more time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.

We recommend that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Some providers have different policies regarding whether they require an GP letter. We also suggest to check if your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the medication prescription.

Medication

For many who wish to obtain an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is an important aspect of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.

One method to avoid this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose an organization that offers a private assessment and titration service. This can reduce your wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient when you are working and have a hectic schedule.

After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will examine you to determine if you need medication titration. You will be asked to fill in forms that vary by provider but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are any circumstances that indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, even when they've been prescribed.

If you are being titrated on medication, it will typically be a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to find the best combination for you, taking into account any medical conditions you may have. The titration process can be long and may require a number of additional appointments before you are stable.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They can be scheduled for monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are safe with the medication, note any side effects that you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You will be required to go to an annual review as well as a regular health check-up that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.

Some people might be satisfied with their treatment and don't need to discuss their titration adhd medications further. If, however, they require further discussions regarding their titration and treatment plans, it's possible that they will be passed back to the private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be part of their consultation fees and they will be given their medication through private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.