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Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a national shortage of medication that helps to treat Adhd medication strategy symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.

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

Titration

A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history and an evaluation using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

Following your assessment you will be advised that medication may be beneficial in your case. This will happen at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, via video link or via phone). Your doctor will explain the various options for medication and, if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating the dose to optimise the balance of benefits and side effects for you.

This is a process which could take a few weeks, and involves adjusting the dosage of your child’s medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It’s not uncommon to need to titrate two or three medicines before finding the one that is best for your child’s ADHD symptoms. It is essential that parents take part in the titration process and keep an eye out for their child’s behavior so they can inform doctors whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.

If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will be issued a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual exams are also required.

Follow-up appointments

Once the evaluation has been completed, you’ll be able to book follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. Usually the appointment will take place on zoom video call, although in certain cases it is possible to schedule an audio only consultation (again at an extra cost).

At this point we will discuss any treatment options we have and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration program. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as a discussion of any possible negative side effects you may be experiencing. The cost for these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. Medication costs are additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, including any issues with your relationships that you may be having or other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, so it’s important to examine your family history to determine if you’re at a higher chance of developing this condition.

It is important to be honest and open with your doctor during the assessment, since the information they get will be used to determine if your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a vital step in the process, since a failure to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you decide to be treated for ADHD we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. This can be scheduled at the time of your diagnosis if are keen to begin treatment right away or within two weeks if want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.

If you’re not sure which one you prefer it is recommended that you talk to your GP prior to booking your private examination as some providers have different rules regarding whether they require the submission of a GP referral letter or not. We also suggest that you check whether your GP accepts a ‘Shared Care Agreement that means that once you are discharged from the clinic, you will be sent back to them to get the medication prescription.

Medication

The medication process is an essential aspect of the treatment process for many who are looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. It can be difficult to get an appointment with 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 avoid this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers an assessment that is private and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient if you are working and have a busy schedule.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will evaluate you to determine if need medication titration. You’ll need to complete forms that vary by doctor, but the most common ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn’t be taking ADHD medications if they are 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 find the best combination for you, taking into consideration any medical conditions you may have. The process of titration can be lengthy and may require several additional appointments before you are stable on your dose.

Depending on the kind of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments will be 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 that you remain on a safe dosage. You’ll also be required to undergo a regular health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.

For some, it may be that they are satisfied with their medication and don’t need a further discussion about their titration. If you need to discuss your titration or treatment plan more thoroughly it is possible that you will be referred back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. In this case the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will be provided through a private prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS, adhd medication strategy as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.