There is a national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service offers private ADHD titration adhd meds instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessments are free and include the cost of one prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced psychiatrist consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your ADHD. This includes a medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
Following your assessment you will be advised whether medication may be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, by video link or over the phone). Your doctor will go over the various medication options available. If you decide to start medication, we will offer you the opportunity to increase your dosage to ensure the best balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which can take several weeks and involves adjusting the dosage of your child’s medication gradually until the appropriate 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 are involved in the titration and be on the lookout for their child’s behavior, so they can inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to return to NHS care, your medication will be given as a prescription from a private pharmacy that you’ll need to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in the consultation fee). You must attend six-monthly appointments to check your medications. This includes blood pressure and pulse measurements. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
After the assessment is complete after the assessment is completed, you can make appointment with the psychiatrist. The appointment is usually done by video conference using zoom. In some circumstances, it might be possible for an audio-only appointment to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
At this point, we will discuss any treatment options we have and agree upon a bespoke individualised ADHD medication titration plan. This will include a discussion and review of your medication dosage, as well as any adverse effects you may be experiencing. The cost of these titration appointments is PS150 for face-to-face sessions and PS60 for online or telephone video consultations. Costs for medication are extra and are paid directly to the pharmacy.
The psychiatrist will also ask you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms have on your life, as well as any issues with relationships you may be experiencing or other mental health issues you may be suffering from. ADHD can be a hereditary condition, which is why it’s crucial to look into your family’s history in order to determine if you are at a higher chance of developing this disorder.
During this assessment it is vital that you are honest and open with the doctor, as they will be using the information you provide to determine whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an essential part of the process, because if you don’t do it, it could result in an incorrect diagnosis and therefore inappropriate prescribing of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD we’ll schedule an appointment to follow-up with a psychiatrist that is skilled in this field. If you’d like to begin treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment when you are diagnosed. Or you can wait two weeks to think about the implications of the diagnosis and what is titration in adhd options you have.
If you are unsure of which one you prefer, we suggest that you talk with your GP prior to booking your private assessment as some providers have different policies regarding whether they require a GP referral letter or not. Check if your GP accepts a Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic for prescription medication.
Medication
Medication is an integral element of the process for many people looking for an official ADHD diagnosis. Getting an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist can be difficult and lengthy. NHS waiting lists are notoriously 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). You can pick a provider who offers a private assessment service and titration. This will cut down your waiting time significantly and is more convenient when you are working and have a hectic schedule.
Once you have been identified as a candidate for this treatment your chosen doctor will examine you and decide whether or not you’re required to be adjusted on your medication. You will be asked to fill in forms that vary by provider but the most important ones are self-report forms and medical histories from childhood and adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might indicate that you shouldn’t be taking ADHD medications if they are prescribed.
If you are being titrated on medication, this will usually include a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant medications. These will be thoroughly tested and monitored to find the best combination for you. The titration adhd medication process may be lengthy and may require several additional appointments before you’re able to stay on your dose.
The frequency of your follow-up appointments will be contingent on the type and quantity of medication you’re taking. They can be scheduled for 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 remain on a dose that is safe. You will be required to go to an annual review as well as a routine health exam that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.
For some people it could be that they are happy with their medication and don’t require a further discussion about their titration. If you’re looking to discuss your titration or treatment plan more thoroughly it is likely that you will be referred back to the private doctor who made your initial assessment. In this scenario the titration is included in the consultation fee. The medication will be provided through the private prescription. This may cost more than a prescription from the NHS since the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.