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How to go about requesting a referral from my GP?

NAS80187

Apologies if this isn’t the right place to ask for advice, but I hope I can get help one way or another.

I’m a 23 year old female and suffered from mental health issues (depression/low mood and anxiety) for over a decade. For a while, I’ve just wanted an answer, as in a proper diagnosis because the most I’ve received is therapy (currently on waiting list for a second time) and anti depressants. 

After some research, I believe that I may have autism. I’ve taken multiple tests where the results have shown I’m “likely” or “extremely likely” to have it. Without going into too much detail, in one of the tests I received a score of 40 out of 50, which seemed quite alarming to me.

I’d like to contact my GP and see if they think I need a referral, but just the thought of a self diagnosis makes me feel incredibly guilty. It sounds silly, but I have all these fears of wasting my GP’s time if they reject my request.

It all starts from calling the doctors where I’m required to state the reason for visiting my GP, but how do I go about the whole process? It’s difficult for me to phrase things, so any advice would be appreciated.

  • I'm in my late 40s. After finally realising that I may have been autistic (having had depression/anxiety since forever) I did some online tests, screenshot the results, plus a detailed explanation of how I felt I fit the autistic diagnosis, and sent it all in a letter to my GP.

    I was then sent the NHS tests, did those and returned them, which 'qualified' me for diagnosis referral.

    Fortunately, after a couple of months on the waiting list, I was referred to a private service via the NHS and got my diagnosis quite quickly, after a zoom call first with a psychologist for an initial assessment, then another zoom call with a psychiatrist for a follow up diagnosis consultation.

    Hope that helps.

  • in reply to NAS80205

    It sounds like you're going through a lot, and seeking a proper diagnosis can be a difficult process. I can understand your feelings of guilt, but it is completely understandable for you to want an answer. The best thing to do would be to contact your GP and explain your situation. Say that you've done some research and have taken some tests which suggest you could have autism (if you feel comfortable doing so). You can also check out https://gpratings.uk to compare GP ratings and find the right doctor for you. I hope you are able to find out more, and that you can get the support you need. If you need any more advice, please don't hesitate to reach out. Sending you lots of good vibes!

  • in reply to Shardovan

    Apologies for assuming your GP was male. That was appallingly old-skool of me when nothing in your post specified a gender. I'm not usually prone to that, but unconscious lapses show how conditioned by patriarchy many of us still are. Must do better. 

  • Hi, it can seem a bit daunting. I made my appointment through the NHS app, I didn’t need to then go through the reason on a phone. I just typed that a wanted to discuss a mental health issue. I waited about 2 weeks, that gave me time to write down all the reasons and issues that I felt were relevant. My old doctor had just retired and a new young doctor had taken over. I was scared of not being believed. My eldest son was a big help, he told me that a young doctor would be more receptive as he had most probably been to school with or has friends who are autistic.

    If you want to you can take another person in with you. I think I just took a deep breath and said that I strongly believe that I’m autistic, obviously why comes next and then use your notes. I had two A4 sheets of my issues and traits! He stopped me after 10 minutes and told me that he would be referring me for an assessment. If your GP isn’t receptive then change to another.

    good luck.

  • Requesting a Referral : 
    1. Visit Your Primary Care Physician. Your primary care physician will evaluate your concern and, if necessary, make a referral to a specialist.
    2. Verify Your Insurance and Referral Information. Contact your insurance company for referral requirements.
    3. Make an Appointment with the Specialist.
  • in reply to Lois

    That’s appalling that your GP said that to you. I’m glad you insisted, but it’s disgusting that he reduced you to tears with something so dismissive and insensitive to make that insistence harder than it should have been. I feel so lucky to have had a much more sensitive and open minded hearing from my GP, it’s such a lottery isn’t it? 

  • GPs are not generally experts on Autism so frankly don't take any *** from them if they seem reluctant to give you a referral. Explain that whilst the tests are not conclusive they are objective evidence Autism is a possibility and explain that you feel it might be a relevant factor in your mental health difficulties. Like Lois says, if it makes it easier for you write some notes down before you approach the GP.

    GPs are a bit of a mixed bunch. Mine had little clue what to do with the mental health problems I was experiencing but was happy to arrange a referral for an autism assessment when I suggested it.

    Not sure about what to say when calling the surgery. It's appalling that you have to explain why you need to see the GP in more detail that "I need medical advice and treatment from my GP"!

  • Hi there, 

    swallow your fears and ask for an appointment regarding a ‘referral request’.To be fair I don’t think the doctors need more info than that before you go… once you have an appointment date make a list of what you want to say and possible answers…the one expect is ”why do you think you have it?” One of your questions must be , “ I am requesting a referral to be diagnosed for Autism “ 

    they will ask why and you possibly may choke at trying to reply to the doctors questions… remember they have to ask you questions xxx just keep referring back to your list of questions and possible reply’s.
    I don’t think they can refuse you this service. The waiting list is possibly long and the journey will be longer, but taking this first step is the hardest but  you will also be half way there.
    My doctor laughed and said ”I have a friend with Asperger’s and your nothing like him” my reply… “we’ll maybe but I would still like to have a referral “ I think I repeated that sentence a few times i between tears!!  … 

    be strong, remember they don’t know what’s going on for you….  Feel the fear, recognize it as just a fear.. call, make an appointment, it will help you x