Private ADHD Titration
There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications that treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing problems and an increased global demand.
Our service is able to provide private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A thorough assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes a complete medical history, as well as an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your examination After your assessment, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which may be scheduled in person, by video link or over the phone). Your clinician will explain the different options available for you to take medication and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will recommend titrating the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This is a process which may take several weeks. It requires adjusting your child's dosage slowly until the right balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medicines before you can find the one that best suits your child's ADHD. It is crucial that parents are involved in the titration process and be on the lookout for their child's behavior, so they can let the doctors know whether the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS treatment, your medication will be provided with a private prescription which you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You will need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is completed, you'll be able to schedule appointment with the psychiatrist as necessary. Typically, the appointment will take place on zoom video call however in some instances it is possible to schedule an audio only consultation (again at an additional cost).
We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on the most appropriate, customized ADHD medication titration. This will include a review of your medication dosage and a discussion around any negative side effects you may be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your family history as well as the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your daily life and any relationship problems or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This is because ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is important that we assess any family history that could indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.
During the assessment, it is crucial that you are truthful and open with the doctor who will be using the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential step in the process since a failure to do so could result in 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 then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this field. If you want to start treatment immediately you can start treatment at the time of diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.
We suggest that if are unsure of your preferences, you talk to your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies regarding whether they require the submission of a GP letter. Find out if I Am Psychiatry accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic to get a prescriptions for medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain a private diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key element of their treatment. Finding prescriptions from an NHS psychiatrist can be a hassle and long-winded. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One way to get around 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 an organization that offers an assessment and titration. This can cut down on wait time significantly and is more convenient if you're working and have a busy schedule.
Once you've been recommended, your physician will examine you to determine if need medication adjustment. You'll need to fill out forms that vary by doctor, but the most common ones are self-reporting questionnaires and medical histories that go to childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any conditions that could indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it will typically be a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. They will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most effective combination for you, taking into consideration any medical conditions you may have. The titration process may be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you're able to stay on your dosage.
Depending on the type of medication you're taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking to see if you are on the right medication, logging any side effects you've experienced, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are in a safe dosage. You'll also have to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings as well as an annual check-up.
For some people, it may be that they are happy with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If you're looking to discuss your titration or treatment plan in more detail, it is possible that you will be referred back to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fees and they will receive their medication on private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.