How To Find The Perfect Private ADHD Titration Online
There is a current national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems as well as an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service offers private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This will include a medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your evaluation, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, via video link, or over the phone). Your clinician will explain what medication options are available and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will suggest titrating the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process can take several weeks, and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the appropriate balance is reached. It is not uncommon to have to titrate up to three different medicines before you find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It is essential that parents are involved in the titration and be aware of their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse reactions.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as a private prescription which you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You will 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 assessment is completed and you are satisfied, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment will usually be conducted through a zoom video call. However, in certain cases, it may be possible for an audio-only appointment to be conducted (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include an assessment of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be facing or any other mental health issues you might be experiencing. ADHD is a genetic condition, and it's vital to assess your family background to determine if you are at chance of developing this condition.
During this assessment it is vital that you are truthful and open with the doctor, as they will use the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you have decided that you would like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. If you want to start treatment right away, you can do this at the time of diagnosis. You can also wait two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
We recommend that if you are unsure of your preferences, talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private assessment. Some providers have different policies on whether they require an GP letter. We also advise that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be referred back to them for the medication prescription.
Medication
The medication process is an essential aspect of the treatment process for many people who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. Finding prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer their 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). This means that you can select one that provides an assessment and titration service. This will cut down your waiting time by a significant amount and is more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will assess you and decide whether or not you're required to be titrated on medication. You will need to complete forms that differ by provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be carefully tested and monitored to find the best combination for you, taking into account any medical conditions you may have. The titration process may be lengthy and may require some additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and amount of medication that you are taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are stable on the medication, record any side effects that you've experienced, and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to undergo a regular health check that may include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their treatment and don't require discussing their titration in more detail. If, however, they require further discussions regarding their titration 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 the consultation fee and they will receive their medication via an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.