Adult ADHD Referral

We have been informed by our local Mental Health Service, Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT), that due to unprecedented demand for ADHD diagnosis and treatment nationally and locally in all age groups, there is not enough capacity within the system to carry out these assessments. So, for children they are screening all referrals they receive, and for adults they are only able to assess for cases that they deem potentially severe.

GPs are unable to make the Specialist diagnosis of ADHD so we will continue to refer patients onwards but we want you to be aware that there is a chance that your referral will be rejected.

Adult ADHD Referrals into HPFT

Referral via SPA by GP/self-referral for adults seeking diagnostic assessment and management of ADHD.

Referrals should be as detailed as possible to enable effective triage. They need to demonstrate a minimum of

  1. Symptoms since childhood
  2. Symptoms significantly affecting life
  3. Co-existing mental disorder/learning disability/psychosocial impairment
  4. No evidence of harmful or dependent drug/alcohol misuse which would impact accurate assessment. (In this instance a CGL referral or other intervention support is recommended prior to any ADHD referral).
  5. How if at all a diagnosis would make a difference to their daily life

Please inform the surgery if you would still like to proceed to referral and we will ask you to complete the relevant questionnaires.

Please note that all referrals will then be triaged the local mental health team and those not meeting the severity threshold will be signposted to self-help and information. We are not in a position to appeal rejected referrals and would like to state that this decision to change the criteria for ADHD referral has been made by Psychiatry, and we have no involvement in or influence upon this service.

At present this only refers to adult patients. We hope that this is an interim measure and await national guidelines.

There are a number of useful websites and reading resources available that may be helpful. Find out more about these services below.

Local Support

ADHD

ADD-vance

A Hertfordshire based charity that supports families affected by ADHD, Autism or a related condition and the professionals who support them

Visit the ADD-vance website

National Support

ADHD

ADDiSS (ADHD information services)

National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service. People-friendly information and resources for parents, teachers, sufferers and professionals. 

Visit the ADDiSS website

AADD-UK

Promotes awareness of ADHD and provide information with as much free practical help to sufferers, both adults and children, and their families

Visit the AADD-UK website

ADHD UK

The Neurodiversity Charity

Visit the ADHD UK website

CBT for ADHD or Coach

BABCP registered CBT therapist list available:

Visit the BACP website

Autism

National Autistic Society

Founded in 1962, they are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Visit the National Autistic Society website

Autism Independent UK

Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.

Visit the Autism Independent UK website

Dimensions

They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.

Visit the Dimensions website

ASD Helping Hands

ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by an ASD and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trust

Visit the ASD Helping Hands website