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Private ADHD Titration

There is a current national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand.

Our service can provide private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This includes a medical history and an assessment using the standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.

After your assessment, you will be informed whether medication is appropriate for your specific situation. This will happen at your follow up appointment (which can be scheduled in person by video link, in person or via phone). Your physician will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to start medication, we will help you to titrate your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This process could take several weeks, and requires gradually altering your child’s dosage until the appropriate balance is reached. It’s not uncommon to have to titrate up to three different medications until you discover the one that best suits your child’s ADHD. It is essential for parents to take part in this process of titration and keep an eye on their child’s behaviour so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.

If you decide to go back to NHS treatment, you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You must attend every six months to check your medication. This includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.

Follow-up appointments

After the evaluation is completed and you are satisfied, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment is usually done through a zoom video call. However, in some instances, it could be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).

We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication titration. This will include a review of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration appointments is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history and 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.

During the assessment, it is crucial that you are truthful and honest with your doctor, as they will be using the information you provide to determine if you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, as the wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescription.

If you decide to be treated for ADHD we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. If you’d like to start treatment right away, you can do this immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

We suggest that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak to your GP prior to booking your private assessment. Some providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require an GP letter. Make sure that your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.

Medication

The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many people who are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. It isn’t easy to obtain a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

Inquiring your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means that you can choose a provider that offers a private assessment and titration service. This will help you reduce time and be more convenient, particularly in the event of a hectic work schedule.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will examine you to determine if require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill in forms that differ by doctor but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. They will help your physician identify any conditions that could suggest you should not take ADHD medication if prescribed.

If you are being titrated on medication, this will usually consist of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be carefully examined and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The titration process can be a lengthy process and may require several extra appointments before you are stable.

Based on the type of medication you’re taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are safe with the medication, record any side effects that you’ve experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You are required to attend an annual review as well as a routine health examination which includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.

Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and do not have to discuss their titration process further. However, for those who require further discussions regarding their titration and treatment plans, it is possible that they will be passed back to the private adhd medication titration clinic that made their initial assessment. In this scenario, the Titration process adhd will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will be given via an individual prescription. This could cost more than a prescription from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.