Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.
Our service offers private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via 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 medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which could be in person by video link, in person or by telephone). Your physician will explain to you what medication options are available and if you decide to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating the dose to maximize the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This process could take a few weeks and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is reached. It's not uncommon to need to titrate three or four medications before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. Parents must take part in this process of titration, and keep an eye on their child's behaviour, so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.
Unless you have decided to return to NHS treatment and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be issued with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You must attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews 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 is usually done via zoom video call. However, in some circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose and any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration appointments is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.
The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, including any relationship issues you might be having or other mental health issues you may be experiencing. This is because ADHD is a genetic disorder and it is essential that we assess any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During this assessment it is essential that you are truthful and open with the doctor who will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial part of the process, since a failure to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD We'll set up a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. If you'd like to start treatment immediately you can start treatment at the time of diagnosis. Or iampsychiatry.com can wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk to your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Certain providers have different policies on whether or not they require the submission of a GP letter. We also advise to check if your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the prescription for the medication.
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 can be notoriously long and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Asking your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry - UK and ADHD 360). This means you can select a provider that offers a private assessment and titration. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly if you have a busy schedule.
After you've been referred through this route, your chosen clinician will examine you and decide whether or not you require to be titrated on medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that vary by provider but the main ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might mean you shouldn't take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into consideration any current conditions you suffer from. The titration process can be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking to see if you are taking the correct medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you remain in a safe dosage. You'll also have to undergo a regular health check that may include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight as well as an annual check-up.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and therefore do not require discussing their titration further. If you're looking to discuss your titration or treatment plan more thoroughly it is possible that you'll be referred to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. In this instance, the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be administered via the private prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.