Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a nationwide shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and an increased demand in the world.

Our service is private ADHD titration instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.

Titration

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

After your evaluation, you will be informed that medication may be beneficial in your particular situation. This will be discussed at your follow-up appointment (which can take place in person, via video link, or over the phone). Your clinician will explain the various options for medication and, if you decide to begin taking medication, we will suggest titrating dosage to ensure the benefits/side effects balance for you.

This process can take several weeks and it involves gradually altering your child’s medication until the appropriate balance is reached. It's not uncommon to have to titrate three or four medications before finding the best one for your child's ADHD symptoms. It's important for parents to participate in this titration process, and keep an eye on their child's behavior, so that they can inform the doctor if the medicine is helping or causing adverse effects.

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 for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You'll be required to attend six monthly appointments to monitor your medication, which includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual exams are also required.

Follow-up appointments

After the evaluation is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some cases, it may be possible for an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).

At this point, we will discuss any treatment options and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration program. This will include a review of your medication dosage and a discussion of any possible side effects you might be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions, and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any medication costs.

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 you may be experiencing. This is because ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is crucial to look into any family history that might indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.

It is crucial to be honest and truthful to the doctor during this assessment, as the information they receive will be used to determine if your ADHD meets the diagnostic criteria. This is an essential part of the process, as failing to do so could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus an incorrect prescribing of medication.

If you decide to receive treatment for ADHD, we'll arrange an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this area. If you'd like to start treatment immediately, you can do this at the time of diagnosis. Or you can wait two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

If you are unsure of which one you prefer it is recommended that you talk to your GP before booking your private appointment as certain providers have different rules regarding whether they require an GP referral letter or not. Check if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them once you leave the clinic for medication prescription.

Medication

For many people who want an individual diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key element of their treatment. It can be difficult to get a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.

Inquiring your GP to refer through 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 titration. This can cut down on wait time significantly and is more convenient if you're working and have a hectic schedule.

After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will examine you to determine if you require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the main ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. They will help your physician identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn't be taking ADHD medications if they're prescribed.

If you are titrated on medication, it is likely to include a mix of stimulants and non-stimulant medications. These will be carefully tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you are stable on your dose.

Depending on the kind of medication you're taking, follow up appointments could be scheduled monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician making sure that you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are in a safe dosage. You will be required to attend an annual review and a regular health check-up that includes blood pressure, pulse, and weight measurements.

Some people might be satisfied with their medication and don't need to discuss their titration process further. For those who require further discussion about their titration and treatment plans, it is possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that performed their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration adhd consultation will be included in the consultation fee and they will be given their medication through private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than an NHS prescription since the pharmacy will charge for the medication.