Describing the Assessment and Referral Pathways within the NHS
In England, the National Health Service (NHS) plays a central role in the diagnosis and support for individuals with ADHD. The assessment and referral pathways may vary slightly depending on the region, but generally, they involve the following steps:
- General Practitioner (GP) Visit: The first point of contact is usually a visit to the individual’s GP. The GP will assess the individual’s symptoms and determine if a referral to a specialist service is necessary. GPs may also provide initial guidance and support for managing ADHD symptoms.
- Referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): If the GP determines that further assessment is required, they may refer the individual, particularly children and adolescents, to the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). CAMHS provides specialised assessment and intervention for mental health conditions, including ADHD.
- Multidisciplinary Assessment: The CAMHS team typically conducts a multidisciplinary assessment involving healthcare professionals, educators, and parents. This comprehensive evaluation involves gathering information from multiple sources, including interviews, questionnaires, and observations. The assessment considers the individual’s symptoms across different settings, such as home, school, and social environments.
Multidisciplinary assessments involving healthcare professionals, educators, and parents are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s symptoms and functioning. Here’s a case study to illustrate the importance of such assessments: