Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increase in demand worldwide.
Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes a medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be informed that medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, via video link or over the phone). Iam Psychiatry will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to begin medication, we will offer you to titrate your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It is not unusual to need to titrate two or three medicines before finding the one that is best for your child's ADHD symptoms. It is important that parents take part in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so that they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will receive a private prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You must attend every six months to check your medication. This includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual checks are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed you will be able to book appointment with the psychiatrist, as appropriate. Typically, the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom but in certain circumstances it is possible to do an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then discuss treatment options and decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication adjustment. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication, as well as any adverse effects you might be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history, the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life, and any mental health issues that you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, which is why it's crucial to assess your family history in order to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this condition.
During the assessment, it is crucial that you are truthful and honest with the clinician who will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step, as a wrong diagnosis could result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. If you want to start treatment right away it is possible to start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also wait two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, you talk to your GP prior to booking your private assessment. Certain providers have different policies regarding whether or not they require an GP letter. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement which means that once discharged from the clinic, you will be sent back to them to get the prescription for the medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain an individual diagnosis of ADHD medication is a key part of their journey. It can be difficult to get an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and GPs might be reluctant to refer their patients to specialist services.
One method to circumvent this is to request your GP to refer you through Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can select a provider that provides a private assessment service and the titration. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient if you are working and have a hectic schedule.
If you are identified as a candidate for this treatment the doctor you choose will evaluate you and determine 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 common ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will help your clinician determine if there are factors that could mean you shouldn't take ADHD medications, when they've been prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it will typically include a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They will be assessed and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you. The titration process may be lengthy and may need some additional appointments before you are stable on your dosage.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and amount of medication you're taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are stable on the medication, note any side effects you have experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dose. You will be required to attend an annual health check-up and routine health exam that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.
Some patients may be content with their medication and don't require discussing their titration in more detail. For those who do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plans, it's possible to be passed back to the private clinic that performed their initial assessment. In this case the titration will be included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be given via a private prescription. This could cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.