Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service

Referral information for GPs

All GPs and other referring agency partners have been asked to stop referring people aged over 18 to the Leeds Adult ADHD Service from 11 October 2024. Any new referrals received on or after this date will be rejected, with the following exceptions:

• Those who have been rejected from other providers due to levels of risk,
• Those currently under acute mental health services (including crisis services) within LYPFT,
• Those from the Child and Young People’s Mental Health Service transition pathway where a young person meets the threshold for adult secondary care intervention.

Where patients meet these criteria or where there is an extreme risk to their patient where ADHD is a significant factor, we ask GPs to get in touch with us to discuss how we can provide clinical expertise. Contact us by calling 0113 85 59341 or email us at: adhd.lypft@nhs.net

For people below the age of 18: professionals are advised to refer service users under the age of 18 to the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team, which is part of the Leeds Child and Young People’s Mental Health Service.

Referrals into the service will be declined if there is insufficient evidence provided that demonstrates symptoms of ADHD during childhood. 

GP’s making a referral under the exceptions listed above

Please complete the following steps:

Complete this referrer form for professionals.

Ask the person you are referring to complete this service user self-assessment form.

Both the referrer and service user completed parts must be sent together via email to: adhd.lypft@nhs.net

Note for those completing the service user form if you have difficulties with reading and writing and are struggling to complete the form, then please discuss with the professional referring you.

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

Can patients access assessment and treatment from an alternative provider?

Yes. If you are based in England under the NHS you have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team. Find out more on the NHS UK website.

We suggest you discuss this option with your GP. You may be able to access NHS funded treatment from an alternative provider if they have an NHS contract. You may also prefer to obtain private care, but please ensure you clarify the details with your GP, as you may be expected to continue to pay for your medication rather than this being prescribed by your local practice.

Using an alternative provider may offer you more timely access to assessment and treatment. That said, many alternative providers limit their treatment options to medication and do not offer psychosocial interventions. The term psychosocial refers to the psychological and social factors that influence mental health. It is worth clarifying with the provider what they provide before getting a referral to avoid disappointment.

Please also note that standards for assessment and treatment may vary between providers. In circumstances where people have obtained a diagnosis from an alternative provider, we will need to check that this meets minimum standards before starting or continuing treatment.

We suggest that you provide a copy of our locally agreed standards to your provider so that they can ensure their diagnostic assessment meets the minimum standards for our service. These standards are being reviewed by the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board so they may be subject to some change.

ADHD UK has some useful information about Right to Choose on their website.