Private ADHD Titration

There is a current national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.

Our service can offer private ADHD treatment as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

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

After your evaluation After your assessment, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, via video link or over the phone). Your clinician will discuss the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will help you the opportunity to increase your dosage to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This process may take several weeks. It involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the appropriate balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to need to titrate two or three medicines before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It's important for parents to be involved in this titration meaning adhd process and keep an eye on their child's behavior to let the doctor know whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.

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

Follow-up appointments

Once the assessment has been completed, you will be able to make follow up appointments with the psychiatrist, as necessary. Usually the appointment will take place via a zoom video call however in some instances it might be possible to have an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).

In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration plan. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose, as well as any adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. Medication costs are additional 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 have on your life, including any issues with relationships you may be having or other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, and it's vital to look into your family's history in order to determine if you're at a greater chance of developing this disorder.

During this examination, it is essential that you are honest and open with the doctor, as they will use the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, since a wrong diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.

If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. This can be scheduled in the wake of your diagnosis if are eager to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if you want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.

If you are unsure of which one you prefer it is recommended that you talk to your GP prior to 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 that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement', which means that after you have been discharged from the clinic, you will be returned to them for the prescription for the medication.

Medication

The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many who are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. Getting an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long and GPs might 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). This means that you can choose an organization that offers a private assessment and titration. This will help you to save time and also be more convenient, especially if you have a busy work schedule.

If you are diagnosed, your doctor will assess you to determine if need medication adjustment. You will need to fill out forms that are different for each provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are any factors that could mean you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, in the event that they've been prescribed.

If you are titrated on medication, it will typically consist of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The titration process can be long and could require several additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.

Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are taking the correct medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure you are on a dose that is safe. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.

For some it could be because they are happy with their medication and don't need any further discussion on their titration for adhd. For those who require further discussions regarding the titration meaning adhd process and treatment plan, it's possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in their consultation fees and they will be given their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). It could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.