What Is Private ADHD Titration? How To Utilize It
Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
Our service provides 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 highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This will include medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your assessment You will be advised that medication may be beneficial for your particular situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link, or over the phone). Your doctor will explain what medication options are available and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will offer to titrate the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
here. is a process which can take several weeks, and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is reached. It's not uncommon to need to titrate two or three medicines before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential that parents take part in the titration process and be aware of their child's behavior, so they can let the doctors know whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication, which includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual exams are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed you will be able to schedule appointment with the psychiatrist as appropriate. Typically, the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it might be possible to have an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include a review and discussion of your dosage of medication, as well as any adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration consultations is PS150 for face to face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. The pharmacy will charge you for any medication costs.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history, the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any mental health issues you might be experiencing. ADHD is a genetic condition, and it's vital to look into your family's background to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this disorder.
It is crucial that you are honest and transparent with the clinician during the assessment, since the information they get will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step, since an incorrect diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this field. If you want to start treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment when you are diagnosed. You can also take two weeks to think about the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
If you aren't sure which one you prefer We suggest you speak to your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment as certain providers have different rules regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also suggest to check if your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement', which means that once you are discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential aspect of the treatment process for many who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. The process of getting an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
Inquiring 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 an organization that offers an assessment and titration. This can help you save time and be more convenient, especially in the event of a hectic schedule.
If you are recommended by this method your chosen doctor will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be adjusted on your medication. You will need to fill out forms that differ by provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories going to your childhood and into 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 titrated on medication, this will usually include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to find the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need several additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.
Depending on the type of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure that you are stable with the medication, note any side effects you've experienced, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dose. You'll also be required to undergo a regular health check, which could include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight as well as an annual check-up.
For some individuals it could be that they are content with their medication and don't need a further discussion about their titration. For those who require further discussion about their titration and treatment plans, it's possible that they will be referred back to the private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in their consultation fees and they will receive their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). It could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.