Devon Auger

Private ADHD Titration

There is a national shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems as well as an increased demand in the world.

Our service can offer private adhd medication titration ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This will include medical history and an assessment using the typical adhd titration meaning rating scales and questionnaires.

After your evaluation, you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial in your particular situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person by video link, in person or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to begin medication, we will offer you the option of titrating your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.

This process could take several weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's medication until the appropriate balance is achieved. It is not unusual to need to adjust two or three medicines before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential for parents to take part in this process of titration and keep a close eye on their child's behavior, so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing side effects.

If you do not decide 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'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You'll need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

After the evaluation is completed, you can schedule follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in certain circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).

In this session, we'll discuss treatment options and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration plan. This will include a review of your medication dosage and an examination of any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.

The psychiatrist will ask questions about your family history, the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is because ADHD is a genetic condition and it is important to look into any family history that could indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.

During this examination, it is crucial to be truthful and honest with the clinician, as they will use the information you provide to determine if you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.

If you've decided you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this field. This can be scheduled in the wake of your diagnosis if you want to start treatment right away or within two weeks if prefer to take time to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.

If you're not sure what you would prefer, we suggest that you speak with your GP prior to booking your private appointment as certain providers have different rules regarding whether they require a GP referral letter or not. We also advise to check if your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for the medication.

Medication

Medication is an integral part of the journey for many people seeking a private titration adhd ADHD diagnosis. It can be difficult to get a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs can be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can select a provider that offers a private assessment and titration service. This can help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly when you are on a tight work schedule.

After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will assess your condition to determine if you require medication titration. You'll need to fill out forms that are different for each provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories going back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are any factors that could mean you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, when they've been prescribed.

If you are on a titration medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to determine the best combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The titration can be long and may require a number of additional appointments before you are stable.

Based on the type of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check that you are stable with the medication, record any adverse reactions you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also be required to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.

Some people might be satisfied with their treatment and do not have to discuss their titration process further. For those who do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plan it is possible that they will be referred back to the private clinic that performed their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be part of their consultation fee and they will be given their medication through an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.