Child mental health issues

[GTIR]

I have a friend who's got issues with her 7yo old son. He's a right handful and seems very angry and frustrated. She's gone through the school, GP route but typically as is case in some under performing schools and overworked GP's she's getting nowhere.

The department is CAHMS in Northampton.

Is there a procedure she can follow to encourage the parties involved to take her seriously?

Thanks.

[wolf1]

Sounds like he may need screening for Autism/Aspergers. Most hospitals have a unit for children with mental health issues. If your friend has exhausted all avenues with the school and GP etc it may be worth going to the local hospital, finding the unit and asking their advice etc.

[Prof Prolapse]

When you say "gone down the GP route", did they get a referral? Or is the GP not convinced the issue requires it at this point?

Typically if you don't get past the GP, they instead give list of things to try before they refer to an expert in whatever field they deem appropriate. In this case exercises, people to contact, etc.

If in a subsequent visit if you can demonstrate you've done everything with no effect, they'll decide what the best course of action is. So that's what needs to be done.

As you say resource is tight in the NHS. We all want to see the expert immediately, but GPs should be making sure a referral is absolutely necessary.

[NormalWisdom]

Keep banging on the school's door, they cannot ignore it. They have a "duty of care" to all pupils both in and out of school. Have friend wave "duty of care" at them and don't let up.

[74merc]

They need a referral to a psychologist from the GP, for an assessment to determine the cause of the problems. I'm not sure if there is another route, I'll ask my wife tonight as this is her line of business, although not in Northampton.

[Fishtigua]

One of my mates was a classic case of ADHD. 3 to 5 in 100 boys at around the ages 5 to 7 can be within the spectrum. He wasn't diagnosed until he was 13/14years old and was almost running wild. The school sort of just gave up on him and just wanted to put the poor sod under some sort of chemical cosh with Ritalin. A good GP finally sorted out how to treat him and he is still on some form of medication today. He is now a highly trained and respected technician in my industry.

Get your friend to keep pushing for specialist help.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Attention-Deficit-...

[Prof Prolapse]

74merc said:

They need a referral to a psychologist from the GP, for an assessment to determine the cause of the problems. I'm not sure if there is another route, I'll ask my wife tonight as this is her line of business, although not in Northampton.

Adult mental illness route is typically GP to Psychiatrist. Interested to hear that child might be different.

[Nikolai Petroff]

Deffo should be tested for ADHD. I know people whine about kids being drugged to behave, but untreated those kids might end up on hard drugs later in life anyways and with no education and careers. I've seen examples like that.

[74merc]

Prof Prolapse said:

Adult mental illness route is typically GP to Psychiatrist. Interested to hear that child might be different.

I spoke to my wife about this. Referrals into CAMHS are dealt with by a psychologist, a psychiatrist and nursing manager, on a case by case basis.
If you are having no joy getting a referral, she suggested contacting a Parent support group, which might be able to offer some practical help.

[HughS47]

GP or school can normally arrange a referral to CAMHS as described - it sounds like this has taken place already? The other important party to get involved is a community paediatrician. They deal with all the developmental/behavioural problems and often liase closely with CAMHS.