Referrals of young people by primary care: What proportion have neuro-developmental needs?
S. Jones, L. Wood, Z. Mutty, M. Miller, J. BeezholdIntroduction
A new Mental Health Advice Support and Access Service (MHASA) was introduced to triage all referrals for people aged 0-25 years referred to mental health services. Following this triage process, patients are passed to the most appropriate service available. This study reports data regarding people referred who also have suspected neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).
Objectives
To report data regarding those referred with suspected NDD including referral numbers, gender, age, primary presenting needs, diagnostic status and outcome of triage.
Methods
A random sample comprising 358 out of the 765 cases referred in November 2024 was analysed, based on statistical advice regarding sample size required to generate robust findings.
Referrals were analysed by gender, age, primary presenting needs, diagnostic status and outcome of triage.
Results
Half of all the referrals had identified NDD concerns at the point of referral.
2/3 male referrals in the NDD identified group, as compared to 1/3 females.
61% of those identified with NDD are diagnosed or on a waiting list.
Peak age for referrals with NDD identified cases - at 12yrs and 15yrs. Educational transitions - 12yrs move to high school - - 15yrs at exam times.
Primary Presenting Needs identified at point of triage – half of the NDD identified referrals presented with Anxiety.
Only 27% of the NDD identified cases were referred on to a Specialist Mental Health service i.e. NSFT CAMHS/ Youth.