nodie49@rx6.katykahn.co.uk – https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-titration/

Private ADHD TitrationThere is a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. titration of adhd medication is due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand.Our service is able to offer private ADHD titration as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our fees for assessments include the cost of one prescription.TitrationA comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be conducted with a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes an examination of your medical history as well as an assessment using the common ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.Following your assessment you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will take place at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person by video link, in person or by phone). Your doctor will go over the various options for medications available. If you decide to begin medication, we will offer you the option of titrating your dose to optimize the benefits/side-effects balance for you.This process may take a few weeks and requires gradually altering your child’s medication until the proper balance is achieved. It’s not uncommon to to titrate as high as three different medicines until you discover the one that best fits your child’s ADHD. It is important that parents are involved in the titration and keep an eye out for their child’s behavior so that they can inform doctors if the medication is helping or causing adverse effects.If you decide to return to NHS treatment you will receive 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 six monthly appointments to monitor your medication, which includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.Follow-up appointmentsOnce the assessment is completed, you can schedule appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment usually takes place through a video call using zoom however in some instances it may be possible to do 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 plan. This will include a review and discussion of your medication dosage and any adverse effects you may be experiencing. The titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 via telephone or video consultation. The pharmacy will be charged for any charges for medication.The psychiatrist will ask you questions about 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. ADHD is a genetic condition, which is why it’s crucial to examine your family background to determine if you are at a higher chance of developing this disorder.During this examination, it is essential that you are honest and honest with your doctor, as they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is a crucial step in the process since a failure 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 set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists who specialize in this area. This can be scheduled within the first few days of your diagnosis if you are keen to begin treatment right away, or within two weeks if you prefer to take time to think about the implications of your diagnosis and the alternatives that are available to you.We suggest that if are unsure about your preferences, you speak to your GP prior to booking your private appointment. Some providers have different policies regarding whether they require a GP letter. We also recommend to confirm that your GP accepts a “Shared-Care Agreement’, which means that once you are discharged from the clinic, you will be sent back to them to get the medication prescription.MedicationFor many people who want a private diagnosis of ADHD treatment is an important part of their journey. It isn’t always 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 their patients to specialist services.Inquiring your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry – UK and ADHD 360). You can choose a service that provides a private assessment service and the titration. This can help you to save time and also be more convenient, especially if you have a busy work schedule.After you have been diagnosed, your doctor will examine you to determine if require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill out forms that differ by doctor but the most common ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will allow your doctor to determine if there are circumstances that indicate you shouldn’t take ADHD medications, if they have been prescribed.If you are being titrated on medication, it is likely to consist of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. These will be carefully trialled and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into account any medical conditions you may have. The titration process may be lengthy and may require some additional appointments before you’re able to stay on your dosage.Depending on the kind of medication you’re taking, follow-up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are on the right medication, noting any adverse effects you’ve experienced and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you’re on a dose that is safe. You will also be required to undergo a regular health check which can include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual check-up.Some patients may be content with their treatment and therefore do not have to discuss their titration in more detail. For those who require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it is possible that they will be passed back to the same private clinic that made their initial assessment. In this instance the titration is included in the consultation fee. The medication will then be provided through a private prescription. This can cost more than a prescription from the NHS because the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.