Why Private ADHD Titration Is Relevant 2023

Private ADHD Titration

There is a current national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.

Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments cost include the cost of one prescription.

Titration

A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history, as well as an assessment using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

After your examination You will be advised if medication would be beneficial for your particular situation. This will take place during your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person by video link, in person or by phone). Your clinician will explain what medication options are available and, if you choose to start on medication we will recommend titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This process could take a few weeks and involves gradually adjusting your child's dosage until the proper balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to have to titrate several times before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It's important for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep a close eye on their child's behavior to let the doctor know whether the medication is working or causing side effects.

If you decide to go back to NHS treatment, you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will have to pay 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 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. Typically, the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it may be possible to schedule an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).

In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options we have and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review 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 doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact that your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any issues with your relationships that you may be facing or any other mental health issues you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, which is why it's crucial to look into your family's background to determine if you're at a greater chance of developing this condition.

During the assessment, it is essential that you are honest and open with the doctor, as they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital part of the process, as failing to do so could result in an inaccurate diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who specializes in this field. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment immediately or within two weeks if want to consider the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives available to you.

We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk to your GP prior to booking your private assessment. Some providers have different policies regarding whether or not they require the submission of a GP letter. We also advise to check if your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement that means that once you are discharged from the clinic, you will be returned to them for the prescription for the medication.

Medication

The medication process is an essential part of the journey for many people seeking a private ADHD diagnosis. The process of getting prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long and GPs might be reluctant to refer their patients to specialist services.

Asking your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry - UK and ADHD 360). This means you can select an organization that offers an assessment and  titration service . This can help you save time and be more convenient, especially if you have a busy schedule.

After you've been identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will evaluate you and determine whether or not you're required to be adjusted on your medication. You will need to complete forms that vary by doctor, but the most common ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories that go back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are any circumstances that indicate you shouldn't take ADHD medication, even when they've been prescribed.

If you are being titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medications. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into account any current conditions you suffer from. The titration can be long and may require several extra appointments before the dose becomes stable.

Depending on the kind of medication you're taking, follow-up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking that you are on the right medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure and weight measurements.

For some people it could be because they are happy with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're required to discuss your titration or treatment plan in more detail, it is possible that you will be referred back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. In this instance the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will be provided through the private prescription. It could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.