(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/general-medical-council-logo.png)There is currently a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems as well as an increased demand in the world.
Our service can offer private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes medical history and an assessment using the common adhd titration uk rating scales and questionnaires.
After your evaluation, you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial in your case. This will take place at your follow-up appointment (which can be done in person, via video link or by phone). Your doctor will explain what is adhd titration medication options are available and, if you decide to start on medication we will offer to titrate the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This is a process which may take several weeks and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to have to titrate several times before determining the most effective one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is essential that parents participate in the titration and be aware of their child's behavior so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse reactions.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will be issued an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You'll need to keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medications. This includes pulse and blood pressure measurements. 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 typically conducted through a zoom video call. In some cases, it may be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options we have and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration program. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dose and any side effects you might be experiencing. The cost of these titration consultations is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or phone video consultations. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions about your family history, the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any relationship problems or mental health issues that you might be suffering from. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is important to look into any family history that could suggest that you are at risk of developing the disorder.
During the assessment, it is essential that you are truthful and honest with the clinician in the sense that they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet 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 thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.
If you decide to be treated for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this area. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if you would like more time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the options available to you.
If you are unsure of what is adhd titration you would prefer it is recommended that you talk with 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 recommend that you check whether 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
For many people who want a private diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key aspect of their journey. It isn't easy to obtain a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). This means that you can select one that provides an assessment and titration service. This will cut down your waiting time considerably and can be more convenient if you're working and have a hectic schedule.
After you've been recommended by this method your chosen doctor will examine you and decide whether or not you require to be adjusted on your medication. You'll have to complete forms that are different for each provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories that go to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, this will usually consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be examined and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration procedure can be lengthy and may require a number of additional appointments before your dose is stable.
Based on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking to see if you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any adjustments needed to ensure that you're on a safe dosage. You are required to attend an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.
Some patients may be content with their medication, and therefore do not have to discuss their titration process further. If, however, they require further discussions regarding the titration adhd medications process and treatment plan, it's possible to be passed back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be part of their consultation fees and they will be given their medication via an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)
