Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This what is adhd titration due to manufacturing problems and an increased demand in the world.

Our service can provide private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.

Titration

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

After your examination You will be advised that medication may be beneficial for your specific situation. This will take place at your follow up appointment (which can be done in person via video link or via phone). Your clinician will explain the various options for medication and, if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This is a process which could take a few weeks and requires adjusting your child's dosage gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It is not unusual to have to titrate several times before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential that parents are involved in the titration process 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 do not decide to return to NHS treatment the medication you take will be issued with a private prescription which you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You must attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication, which includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual exams are also required.

Follow-up appointments

After the assessment is complete after the assessment is completed, you can make follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist. The appointment will usually be conducted via zoom video call. However, in certain cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again at an additional cost).

We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as a discussion around any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.

The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history as well as the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any mental health issues that you might be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD is a genetic condition and it is important that we assess any family history that may suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.

It is essential to be honest and transparent with your doctor during this evaluation, as the information they gather will be used to determine whether your ADHD fits the diagnostic criteria. This is an important step because a wrong diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you've decided you would like to be treated for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this field. This can be done in the wake of your diagnosis if you want to start treatment right away, or within two weeks if you want to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities that are available to you.

We suggest that if you are unsure of your preferences, you speak to your GP prior to scheduling your private adhd titration appointment. Certain providers have different policies on whether or not they require the submission of a GP letter. We also advise to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that once you are discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the medication prescription.

Medication

Medication is an integral aspect of the treatment process for many people seeking an official ADHD diagnosis. Finding an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and lengthy. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

One method to circumvent this is to ask your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means you can select one that provides a private assessment and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient if you are working and have a full schedule.

Once you have been recommended by this method your chosen doctor will assess you and decide whether or not you need to be adjusted on your medication. You'll have to fill out forms that are different for each provider however the most commonly used ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories dating to your childhood and into adulthood. These will help your clinician determine any issues that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.

If you are being titrated, the medication will consist of stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration process can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before the dose becomes stable.

Depending on the type of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. Your clinician will check whether you are stable on the medication, document any side effects you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to attend an annual review and a routine health exam that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.

For some people, it may be that they are content with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're looking to discuss your titration or treatment plan further it is likely that you'll be referred back to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. In this instance the titration is included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be administered via a private prescription. This can cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.