Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increased demand in the world.
Our service offers private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This will include medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial in your case. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link, or over the phone). Your clinician will explain the different options available for you to take medication and, if you decide to start on medication we will suggest titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This is a process which could take a few weeks, and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medicines before you find the one that best suits your child's ADHD. It is essential that parents take part in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You must attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication - this includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up www.iampsychiatry.com
After the assessment is completed you will be able to make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. However, in certain cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
At this point, we will discuss treatment options and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage, as well as any side effects you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.
The psychiatrist will also inquire with you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, including any issues with relationships you may be experiencing or other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, so it's important to look into your family's background to determine if you are at chance of developing this condition.
During the assessment, it is crucial to be truthful and open with the doctor in the sense that they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential step in the process, because if you don't do it, it could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you have decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this area. If you'd like to begin treatment right away, you can do this immediately following the diagnosis. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
We suggest that if are unsure about your preferences, talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private examination. Some providers have different policies regarding whether or not they require a GP letter. We also advise that you check whether your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement that means that once discharged from the clinic you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for the medication.
Medication
For many people who seek a private diagnosis of ADHD medication is a crucial 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 may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
One way to get around 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 a provider that offers an assessment and titration. This will help you reduce time and be more convenient, especially when you are on a tight schedule.
After you've been identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will assess you and decide whether or not you need to be adjusted on your medication. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are being titrated the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to find the best combination for you, taking into account any existing conditions you have. The titration procedure can be a lengthy process and may require a number of additional appointments before your dose is stable.
Depending on the kind of medication you are taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are stable on the medication, noting any adverse effects you've experienced and making any adjustments needed to ensure you are on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to attend a routine health check which can include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings as well as an annual check-up.
Some people may be satisfied with their treatment and don't need to discuss their titration process further. If, however, they require further discussion about the titration process and treatment plan, it's possible to be referred back to the private clinic that made their initial assessment. In this case, the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be administered via a private prescription. This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.