10 Healthy Private ADHD Titration Habits

Private ADHD Titration

There is currently a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for adhd medication titration medications worldwide.

Our service provides 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 highly skilled consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.

After your evaluation, you will be informed that medication may 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 physician will explain to you the different options available for you to take medication and, if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating the dose to maximize the balance of benefits and side effects for you.

This is a process which may take several weeks. It involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication slowly until the right balance is achieved. It is not uncommon to have to adjust up to three different medications before you can find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It is important that parents participate in the titration and be on the lookout for their child's behavior so that they can inform doctors whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.

If you do not decide to return to NHS care the medication you take will be given as an individual prescription that you will need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fees). You must keep up with your appointments every six months to monitor your medications. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual reviews are also mandatory.

Follow-up appointments

After the evaluation is completed and you are satisfied, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment usually takes place via a zoom video call, although in certain cases it might be possible to have an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).

In this session, we'll discuss any treatment options we have and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration strategy. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage as well as an examination of any adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and ADHD medication titration PS60 by video or phone consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.

The doctor will also ask you about your family history and the impact your ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be facing or any other mental health problems that you might be experiencing. This is due to the fact that ADHD can be an inheritable condition, and it is crucial that we assess any family history that may indicate that you're at risk of developing the disorder.

During this assessment it is vital to be truthful and honest with your doctor in the sense that they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential part of the process, as failing to do so could result in an incorrect diagnosis and consequently an inappropriate prescription of medication.

If you have decided that you would like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialise in this area. If you'd like to begin treatment right away you can start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and what options you have.

If you aren't sure what your preference is, we suggest that you speak to your GP before booking your private examination as some providers have different policies about whether they require an GP referral letter or not. We also suggest to confirm that your GP accepts a "Shared Care Agreement', which means that once discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the prescription for medication.

Medication

For many who wish to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a crucial aspect of their journey. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and long-winded. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.

Requesting your GP to refer through Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). You can select a provider who offers an assessment on your own and the titration. This will cut down your waiting time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you are working and have a busy schedule.

If you are diagnosed, your doctor will examine you to determine if need medication titration. 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 back to childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are factors that could mean you shouldn't be taking ADHD medication, if they have been prescribed.

If you are titrated on medication, it will typically be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be assessed and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The titration process can be lengthy and may need several additional appointments before you're stable on your dose.

The frequency of your follow-up appointments will depend on the type and quantity of medication you're taking. They can be scheduled for monthly or quarterly. Your doctor will ensure whether you are stable on the medication, record any adverse reactions you've experienced and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain on a safe dosage. You will also be required to undergo a regular health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings as well as an annual review.

Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and therefore do not have to discuss their titration process further. If, however, they require further discussion about their titration and treatment plans, it is possible that they will be referred back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in their consultation fee and they will be given their medication via private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This may cost more than prescriptions from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.