lnxue34@rx6.gemmasmith.co.uk – https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-titration/

Private ADHD TitrationThere is currently a nationwide shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and a growing global demand.Our service is able to offer private ADHD testing as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.TitrationA thorough evaluation of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant Psychiatrist. This includes a thorough medical history, and an evaluation using the typical ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.After your examination, you will be informed if medication is considered to 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 by phone). Your doctor will explain the various options for medication and if you decide to start on medication we will recommend titrating the dose to optimise the benefits/side effects balance for you.This process may take several weeks. It involves adjusting your child’s medication gradually until the appropriate balance is achieved. It is not unusual to need to adjust three or four medications before finding the one that is best for your child’s ADHD symptoms. It is essential for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep an watchful eye on their child’s behavior, so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication is working or causing side effects.If you decide to go back to NHS treatment you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. I Am Psychiatry will have to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You’ll need to attend six-monthly appointments to monitor your medications. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual reviews are also required.Follow-up appointmentsOnce the evaluation has been completed, you will be able to book follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist, if appropriate. The appointment is typically conducted by video conference using zoom. However, in some circumstances, it might be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be conducted (again at an additional cost).We will then go over the options for treatment and then decide on a bespoke, individualised ADHD medication titration. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage and a discussion of any possible adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration sessions is PS150 for face-to face sessions and PS60 for telephone or online video consultations. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.The psychiatrist will ask you questions regarding your family history and the impact of your ADHD symptoms on your life and any mental health issues that you might be suffering from. ADHD is a genetic condition, which is why it’s crucial to look into your family’s history in order to determine if you are at a greater chance of developing this condition.It is essential that you are honest and transparent with the clinician during the assessment, since the information they receive will be used to determine if your ADHD is in line with the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step, as the wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate medication prescription.If you decide to be treated 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 immediately, you can do this immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and your options.We suggest that if you are unsure of your preferences, talk with your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Some providers have different guidelines regarding whether they require the submission of a GP letter. Find out if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means you will be referred to them after you leave the clinic to get a medication prescription.MedicationMedication is a key part of the journey for many people looking for a private ADHD diagnosis. It isn’t easy to obtain an appointment with a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and GPs may be reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.Requesting your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). This means you can select one that provides a private assessment and titration. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient when you are working and have a full schedule.Once you’ve been recommended, your physician will evaluate you to determine if require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the main ones are self-report questionnaires and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor to determine if there are factors that could mean that you shouldn’t be taking ADHD medication, when they’ve been prescribed.If you are being titrated, the medication will be a combination stimulants and nonstimulant medications. These will be carefully examined and monitored to determine the best combination for you. The process of titration can be lengthy and may need a few extra appointments before you’re able to stay on your dosage.Depending on the kind of medication you are taking, follow-up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking to see if you are taking the correct medication, logging any side effects you’ve experienced and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain on a dose that is safe. You’ll also have to attend a routine health check, which could include blood pressure, pulse and weight readings and an annual check-up.Some patients may be content with their medication, and therefore do not require discussing their titration in more detail. If you’re looking to discuss your titration plan or treatment plan further, it is possible that you will be referred back to the private clinic that performed your initial evaluation. If this occurs, the titration appointment will be included in the consultation fee, and they will receive their medication through an individual prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.