A Guide To Private ADHD Titration From Beginning To End
Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service is able to offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a thorough medical history, and an assessment using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your assessment You will be advised whether medication is appropriate for your situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person, via video link or via phone). Your physician will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will help you the opportunity to increase your dosage to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.
This process can take a few weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child’s medication until the proper balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medications before you can find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It's important for parents to be involved in this titration process, and keep an watchful eye on their child's behavior, so that they can let the doctor know 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 have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You will need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed you will be able to make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if necessary. The appointment usually takes place through a video call using zoom however in some instances it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).
adhd titration private will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a review of your medication dosage and a discussion around any side effects you might be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history and the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you may be experiencing. This is because ADHD can be a genetic condition and it is important to examine any family history that may suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is important that you are honest and truthful with the clinician during the assessment, since the information they get will be used to determine whether your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step, since a wrong diagnosis could lead to inappropriate medication prescription.
If you have decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this field. If you want to start treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.
We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private examination. Certain providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require a GP letter. We also recommend to confirm that 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 people who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. Getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and long-winded. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs are often 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). You can select a provider that provides an assessment on your own and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient if you're working and have a hectic schedule.
After you've 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 are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are any reasons that suggest you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications, if they have been prescribed.
If you are being titrated on medication, it will typically include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you. The titration process may be lengthy and may require a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dose.
Based on the type of medication you are taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure that you are stable with the medication, document any adverse reactions you've experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You will also be required to attend a regular health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight as well as an annual review.
For some it could be that they are content with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're required to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan in more detail it is possible that you'll be sent to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. In this instance the titration is included in the consultation cost. The medication will be provided through the private prescription. It could cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.