The Not So Well-Known Benefits Of Private ADHD Titration
Private ADHD Titration
There is a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service is able to offer private ADHD treatment 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 thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This will include a medical history and an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised if medication is considered to be beneficial for your situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which can be scheduled in person via video link or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to begin medication, we will help you the option of titrating your dose to ensure the best balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which may take several weeks. It requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to to titrate up to three different medications before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is important that parents are involved in the titration process and be aware of their child's behavior, so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse reactions.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS care the medication you take will be given as a private prescription which you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You'll need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medication. This includes the measurement of pulse and blood pressure. Annual checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. The appointment is usually done through a zoom video call. In some cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then go over treatment options and decide on an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication titration. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose and any side effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any charges for medication.
The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be facing or any other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is important to examine any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is crucial to be honest and transparent to the doctor during this evaluation, as the information they receive will be used to determine whether your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step, since an incorrect diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.
If you have decided that you would like to be treated for your ADHD We will arrange 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 eager to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities that are available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak to your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Certain providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require the submission of a GP letter. Find out if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them after you leave the clinic for prescription medication.
For many who wish to obtain an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is a key element of their treatment. It isn't always easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
Requesting your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can select a provider that offers an assessment and titration. This can cut down on wait time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you are working and have a hectic schedule.
If you are referred through this route your chosen doctor will evaluate you and determine whether or not you require to be titrated on medication. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the main ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These will help your clinician determine any issues that could suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are being titrated the medication will consist of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be carefully tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The titration can be lengthy and may require several extra appointments before the dose becomes stable.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking that you are on the right medication, logging any side effects you have had and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you're in a safe dosage. You will also be required to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and do not need to discuss their titration process further. However, for those who require further discussion about their titration and treatment plans, it's possible to be passed back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fees and they will receive their medication on private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This may cost more than a prescription from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.