Private ADHD Titration
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/iampsychiatry-logo-wide.png)There is a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand.
Our service is able to provide private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your adhd medication titration symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be advised if medication is considered to be beneficial in your particular situation. This will happen at your follow up appointment (which can be done in person via video link or by phone). Your clinician will explain the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will offer to titrate the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This is a process which may take several weeks and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the appropriate balance is reached. It's not uncommon to to adjust up to three different medicines before you find the one that best fits your child's ADHD. It is important that parents are involved in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so they can inform doctors whether the medication is working or causing adverse reactions.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will have to pay 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 checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed, you'll be able to schedule appointment with your psychiatrist, if necessary. The appointment is usually done through a zoom video call. In some cases, it may be possible for an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).
In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration plan. This will include a review and discussion of your dosage of medication, as well as any side effects that you might be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as any issues with your relationships that you may be facing or any other mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is essential to examine any family history that might indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.
It is important to be honest and transparent with your doctor during this evaluation, as the information they get will be used to determine whether your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step, since the wrong diagnosis can result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist who specializes in this area. If you want to start treatment right away you can start treatment at the time of diagnosis. You can also wait for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
If you are unsure of what you would prefer it is recommended that you talk to your GP before booking your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require a GP referral letter or not. Make sure that your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.
Medication
The medication process is an essential aspect of the treatment process for many who are seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer their patients to specialist services.
One way to get around this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and adhd titration meaning 360). You can choose a service that provides an assessment that is private and the titration. This will cut down your waiting time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.
If you are recommended, your physician will examine your condition to determine if you need medication titration. You will need to complete forms that are different for each provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor determine any issues that could suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are on a titration adhd medications medication, this will usually be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to find the best combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The titration procedure can be a lengthy process and may require multiple appointments before you are stable.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and amount of medication you're taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are safe 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 have to undergo a regular health check that may include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.
For some individuals it could be because they are satisfied with their medication and don't require an additional discussion regarding their titration. If, however, they require further discussions regarding their titration adhd meds and treatment plan it's possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. In this scenario, the titration will be included in the consultation cost. The medication will then be provided through the private prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.