Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.
Our service is able to offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history, as well as an assessment using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person, via video link or via phone). Your physician will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to start taking medication, we will offer you the option of titrating your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process may take several weeks, and it involves gradually altering your child’s medication until the right balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to need to titrate three or four medications before finding the one that is best for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must be involved in this titration process and keep a close watchful eye on their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working 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 the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You will need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment usually takes place on zoom video call but in certain circumstances it is possible to have an audio only consultation (again at an extra cost).
We will then go over treatment options and choose the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include a review of your medication dosage as well as a discussion around any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history as well as the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is because ADHD is a genetic disorder and it is essential that we assess any family history that may indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During the assessment, it is vital that you are truthful and honest with the clinician in the sense that they will be using the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step, as the wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you've decided you'd like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this area. This can be done within the first few days of your diagnosis if are eager to begin treatment immediately, or within two weeks if you want to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the options available to you.
If you are unsure of what your preference is it is recommended that you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private examination as some providers have different rules regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also advise 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 medication.
Medication
Medication is a key part of the journey for many people looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. It isn't easy to obtain a prescription from 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 avoid this is to request your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers a private assessment service and titration. This will cut down your waiting time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you are working and have a full schedule.
If you are referred through this route your chosen doctor will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be titrated on medication. You'll need to fill out forms that are different for each provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be assessed and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may require a few extra appointments before you're 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 scheduled for monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are safe with the medication, note any side effects you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also have to attend a routine health check that may include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual review.
For iampsychiatry.com , it may be that they are happy with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. For those who require further discussion about the titration process and treatment plan, it is possible that they will be passed back to the same private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in their consultation fees and they will be given their medication via private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.