How Private ADHD Titration Transformed My Life For The Better
Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history, and an evaluation using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your evaluation, you will be advised if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will happen at your follow up appointment (which can be scheduled in person by video link, in person or by phone). Your doctor will explain the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This is a process which can take several weeks and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper 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. It is essential that parents participate in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so they can let the doctors know whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with an individual prescription that you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You'll need to attend six-monthly appointments to check your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed, you'll be able to book appointment with the psychiatrist, as necessary. Usually the appointment will take place on zoom video call however in some instances it is possible to schedule an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).
At this point we will discuss treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication, as well as any side effects you might be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 by video or phone consultation. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will also ask 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 is a genetic condition, so it's important to assess your family history to determine if you are at a higher chance of developing this disorder.
It is essential that you are honest and transparent to the doctor during this evaluation, as the information they receive will be used to determine whether your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step in the process, as failing to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you have decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this field. This can be done at the time of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if you would like more time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.
If you aren't sure what you would prefer, we suggest that you talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private assessment as some providers have different policies about whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also suggest to confirm that your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic, you will be referred back to them for the prescription for the medication.
Medication
For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key element of their treatment. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can select a provider that offers a private assessment service and titration. This can reduce your wait time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a hectic schedule.
Once you have been referred through this route the doctor you choose will examine you and decide whether or not you need to be titrated on medication. You'll have to complete forms that differ by provider, but the most common ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories going back to childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any conditions that could suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it will typically consist of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to find the most suitable combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration process may be lengthy and may require some additional appointments before you're able to stay on your dosage.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician making sure that you are taking the correct medication, logging any side effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure you are on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to attend a routine health check which can include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements as well as an annual check-up.
For some it could be that they are satisfied with their medication and don't require an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you need to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further it is possible that you'll be sent to the private clinic who made your initial assessment. If titration for ADHD occurs, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee, and they will be given their medication through private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.