adhd titration uk medication
There is a national shortage of medications to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due to manufacturing problems and the growing demand for ADHD medications worldwide.
Our service offers private ADHD adjustment instead of waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees include the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A comprehensive assessment of your ADHD symptoms will be carried out by a highly experienced consultant psychiatrist. This includes medical history and an assessment using the typical ADHD rating scales and questionnaires.
After your examination, you will be informed if medication would be beneficial for your situation. This will be discussed at your follow up appointment (which could be in person via video link or by phone). Your clinician will explain what medication options are available and if you decide to begin taking medication, we will suggest titrating the dose to maximize the balance of benefits and side effects for you.
This is a process which could take a few weeks, and involves adjusting the dosage of your child's medication slowly until the right balance is reached. It is not uncommon to have to titrate as high as three different medicines before you find the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. Parents must participate in this titration process, and keep an eye on their child's behaviour to inform the doctor whether the medication is working or causing side effects.
If you do not decide to return to NHS care the medication you take will be provided with a prescription from a private pharmacy that you'll have to pay for at the pharmacy (this is not included in your consultation fee). You will be required to attend every six months to check your medication. This includes blood pressure and pulse readings. Annual reviews are also mandatory.
Follow-up appointments
Once the assessment is completed after the assessment is completed, you can make follow-up appointments with your psychiatrist. The appointment is typically conducted via zoom video call. However, in certain cases, it may be possible to have an audio-only consultation to be scheduled (again with an additional cost).
At this point we will discuss any treatment options and decide on a custom-made ADHD medication titration program. This will include an assessment of your medication dosage and a discussion of any possible adverse effects you may be experiencing. These titration sessions cost PS150 for face-toface sessions and PS60 by video or phone consultation. The pharmacy will charge you for any cost of medication.
The psychiatrist will ask questions regarding your family history and 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, and it's vital to assess your family background to determine if you're at a greater chance of developing this condition.
During this examination, it is crucial that you are honest and open with the doctor, as they will be using the information you provide to determine if you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This is an important step because the wrong diagnosis can result in an inappropriate prescription of medication.
If you decide to seek treatment for ADHD we'll schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit with a psychiatrist who specializes in this field. If you'd like to begin treatment immediately it is possible to start treatment at the time of diagnosis. You can also take two weeks to consider the implications of the diagnosis and the options available to you.
We suggest that if you are unsure about your preferences, you speak with your GP prior to scheduling your private examination. Certain providers have different policies on whether they require the submission of a GP letter. Check if your GP accepts the Shared Care Agreement, which means that you will be referred to them when you leave the clinic to get a medication prescription.
Medication
Medication is an integral element of the process 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 are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services.
One method to avoid this is to request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose (see psychiatry-uk and ADHD 360). You can pick a provider who offers an assessment that is private and titration. This can cut down on wait time considerably and can be more convenient if you are working and have a hectic schedule.
After you've been referred through this route the doctor you choose will examine you and decide whether or not you require to be titrated on medication. You'll have to fill out forms that are different for each provider but the most frequent ones are self-reporting forms and medical histories that go to your childhood and into adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might mean you shouldn't take ADHD medication if prescribed.
If you are being titrated, the medication will consist of a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The combination will be carefully tested and monitored to determine the most suitable combination for you, taking into consideration any existing conditions you have. The process of titration can be lengthy and may require several additional appointments before you're able to stay on your dose.
Depending on the kind of medication you're taking, follow up appointments will be either monthly or quarterly. The appointment will involve your doctor checking to see if you are stable on the medication, logging any side effects you've experienced and making any necessary adjustments to ensure you are in a safe dosage. You will also be required to attend a routine health check that may include blood pressure readings, pulse and weight and an annual review.
For some people it could be that they are satisfied with their medication and don't need an additional discussion regarding their titration. If, however, they require further discussions regarding the titration process and treatment plan, it's possible to be referred back to the private clinic that conducted their initial assessment. If this happens, the titration appointment will be included in their consultation fees and they will receive their medication through a private prescription (see Consultation fees above). This could cost more than prescriptions from the NHS, as the pharmacy will charge you for the medication.