dfvrq38@rx6.gemmasmith.co.uk – https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-titration/

Private ADHD TitrationThere is a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing issues and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.Our service is private ADHD treatment instead of waiting for NHS funding via Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of a single prescription.TitrationA thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted by an experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This will include an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.After your examination, you will be advised that medication may be beneficial in your particular 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 discuss the different options for medication available. If you decide to begin medication, we will help you the option of titrating your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.This process could take a few weeks and requires gradually altering your child’s medication until the right balance is achieved. It is not unusual 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 behaviour so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication 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 at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation fee. You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.Follow-up adhd titrationAfter the evaluation is completed, you can schedule follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment usually takes place on zoom video call, although in certain cases it might be possible to do an audio-only consultation (again at an additional cost).We will then discuss the options for treatment and then decide on an individualised, bespoke ADHD medication titration. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dose, as well as any side effects you may be experiencing. These titrations cost PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 via video or telephone consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any cost of medication.The psychiatrist will ask questions about your family history as well as the effects of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any relationship problems or mental health issues you might be experiencing. ADHD can be a genetic condition, and it’s vital to assess your family background to determine if you’re at risk of developing this disorder.During the assessment, it is essential to be truthful and open with the doctor in the sense that they will use the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step, as the wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescription.If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD We’ll set up an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who is specialized in this field. If you’d like to start treatment right away, you can do this when you are diagnosed. Or you can wait two weeks to think about the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.We recommend that if you are unsure about your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Some providers have different guidelines regarding whether or not they require a GP letter. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a ‘Shared Care Agreement which means that after you have been discharged from the clinic you will be referred back to them for the medication prescription.MedicationFor many people who want a private diagnosis of ADHD, medication is a key part of their journey. Finding a prescription from an NHS psychiatrist can be a challenge and time-consuming. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long and GPs might be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.One method to avoid this is to ask 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 titration. This will cut down your waiting time by a significant amount and is more convenient if you are working and have a full schedule.Once you have been recommended by this method the doctor you choose will examine you and decide whether or not you require to be adjusted on your medication. You’ll have to complete forms that differ by provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting questions and medical histories dating to childhood and adulthood. These will help your clinician identify any factors that might suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they are prescribed.If you are on a titration medication, this will usually be a combination of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be carefully assessed and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration can be lengthy and may require multiple appointments before the dose becomes stable.The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and quantity of medication you are taking. They can be monthly or quarterly. This will involve your clinician checking to see if you are stable on the medication, recording any side effects you’ve experienced and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you’re on a safe dosage. You’ll also have to attend a regular health check which can include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight as well as an annual review.Some people might be satisfied with their medication, and do not require discussing their titration in more detail. If you’re required to discuss your titration or treatment plan more thoroughly, it is possible that you’ll be referred back to the private doctor who performed your initial assessment. If this occurs, the titration consultation will be included in the consultation fee and they will be given their medication on a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This can cost more than an NHS prescription because the pharmacy will charge for the medication.