How to go about requesting a referral from my GP?

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.

Parents
  • 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"!

Reply
  • 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"!

Children
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