Private ADHD Titration
There is a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increased demand in the world.
Our service offers private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history and an evaluation using the common ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your particular situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link, or over the phone). www.iampsychiatry.uk will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to start taking medication, we will offer you to titrate your dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process could take a few weeks, and involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is reached. It is not uncommon to have to titrate as high as three different medicines until you discover the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It is important that parents take part in the titration process 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 do not decide to return to NHS care and have decided to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as an individual prescription that you'll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). 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
Once the assessment has been completed, you will be able to make appointment with the psychiatrist as necessary. The appointment is typically conducted via zoom video call. However, in some circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include an assessment of your medication dose and a discussion of any possible side effects you might be experiencing. The cost for these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. The cost of medication is additional and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The doctor will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, as well as any relationship issues you might be facing or any other mental health problems that you may be experiencing. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, which is why it's crucial to assess your family history to determine if you are at risk of developing this disorder.
During the assessment, it is essential that you are honest and open with the doctor who will use the information you provide to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a vital step in the process, as failing to do so could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you have decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD We will arrange a follow up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this field. This can be done in the wake of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment immediately or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the possibilities available to you.
We suggest that if are unsure of your preferences, talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private examination. Some providers have different policies on whether or not they require an GP letter. We also suggest to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared-Care Agreement that means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the prescription for the medication.
Medication
Medication is an integral aspect of the treatment process for many people looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. The process of getting a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long and GPs might be reluctant to refer their patients to specialist services.
Inquiring your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers an assessment on your own and the titration. This will help you save time and be more convenient, especially when you are on a tight schedule.
If you are recommended, your physician will evaluate you to determine if you need medication titration. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor determine any issues that could indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the right combination for you. The titration process can be long and could require a few extra appointments before you're stable on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments is contingent on the type and quantity of medication that you are taking. They could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. Your physician will make sure that you are stable with the medication, record any side effects that you have experienced and make any needed adjustments to ensure that you remain on a safe dosage. You'll also be required to attend a routine health check which can include blood pressure and pulse readings, as well as weight and weight measurements and an annual review.
Some people may be satisfied with their medication and therefore do not have to discuss 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 same private clinic that performed their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be part of their consultation fee and they will receive their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.