Blog entry by Felipa Dinkel
There is a current national shortage of medication to treat ADHD symptoms. This is due both to manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
Our service is able to provide private ADHD treatment as an alternative to waiting for NHS funding through Right to Choose. Our assessment fees cover the cost of a single prescription.
Titration
A highly experienced consultant psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your ADHD. This includes a complete medical history, and an evaluation using the standard ADHD questionnaires and rating scales.
After your assessment, you will be informed whether medication is appropriate for your situation. The discussion will take place at your follow-up appointment (which could be in person, by video link or over the phone). Your doctor will explain the different options available for you to take medication and, if you choose to start on medication we will offer to titrate the dose to maximize the benefits/side effects balance for you.
This process may take several weeks. It involves adjusting your child's medication gradually until the proper balance is achieved. It's not uncommon to to adjust up to three different medications until you discover the one that is most suitable for your child's ADHD. It's important for parents to be involved in this titration process and keep a close watchful eye on their child's behavior so that they can let the doctor know whether the medication is working or causing adverse effects.
If you decide to go back to NHS treatment, you will receive an individual prescription for your medication. You will be required to pay for your prescription at the pharmacy. This is not included in the consultation cost. You must attend regular appointments every six months to monitor your medication - this includes pulse and blood pressure readings. Annual reviews are also required.
Follow-up appointments
Once the evaluation has been completed, you'll be able to schedule follow up appointments with the psychiatrist as appropriate. Typically, the appointment will take place through a video call using zoom, although in certain cases it is possible to do an audio-only consultation (again at an extra cost).
At this point we will discuss any treatment options we have and come up with a unique ADHD medication titration meaning adhd program. This will include a discussion and review of your dosage of medication and any side 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 inquire with you about your family background and the impact your ADHD symptoms can have on your life, including any issues with relationships you may be facing or any other mental health issues you might be experiencing. This is because ADHD can be a genetic disorder and it is important that we assess any family history that may indicate whether you are at risk of developing the disorder.
It is essential that you are honest and transparent with the clinician during this evaluation, as the information they receive will be used to determine if your adhd titration uk meets the diagnostic criteria. This is a crucial step, as an incorrect diagnosis could result in a prescription for medication that is not appropriate.
If you have decided that you'd like to receive treatment for your ADHD, we will then set up a follow-up appointment with one of our psychiatrists that specialize in this area. If you want to start treatment immediately you can start treatment immediately following the diagnosis. You can also take for two weeks before considering the implications of the diagnosis and what is titration in adhd options you have.
We suggest that if you are unsure of your preferences, talk to your GP prior to scheduling your private appointment. Certain providers have different policies regarding whether they require a GP letter. We also advise that you check whether your GP accepts a 'Shared Care Agreement', which means that once you are discharged from the clinic you will be returned to them for the prescription for the medication.
Medication
For many who wish to obtain an official diagnosis of ADHD treatment is a key aspect of their journey. It isn't always easy to obtain a prescription from a psychiatrist on the NHS. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and GPs are often reluctant to refer patients on to specialist services.
Asking your GP to refer you to Right to Choose is one way to avoid this (see psychiatry UK and ADHD 360). You can select a provider that provides an assessment that is private and titration. This can help you save time and be more convenient, particularly when you are on a tight work schedule.
After you have been recommended, your physician will assess your condition to determine if you require medication adjustment. You will be asked to fill in forms that are different for each provider, but the most important ones are self-report questionnaires as well as medical histories from childhood to adulthood. These forms will assist your doctor identify any factors that might suggest you should not take ADHD medications if they're prescribed.
If you are on a titration medication, it is likely to be a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. They will be assessed and monitored to determine the right combination for you. The titration procedure can be a lengthy process and may require a number of additional appointments before your dose is stable.
Depending on the type of medication you are taking, follow up appointments can be scheduled either monthly or quarterly. This will include your physician checking that you are on the right medication, recording any side effects you have had and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that you remain in a safe dosage. You will be required to go to an annual health check-up and regular health check-up that includes pulse, blood pressure, and weight measurements.
Some people might be satisfied with their medication and don't have to discuss their titration period adhd in more detail. If, however, they do need further discussions about their titration and treatment plan it's 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 cost. The medication will be provided through the private titration adhd prescription. This can cost more than an NHS prescription as the pharmacy will charge for the medication.