Child & Youth Mental Health Algorithm - GPSC

Referral FlagsReferral of the teen with ADHD to specialty mental health services can occur at three differentpoints. The following referral points are suggestions only. Each first contact care provider mustidentify their personal comfort level with treatment and management of adolescent ADHD andact accordingly. These suggestions are:Emergency Referral (prior to treatment initiation by first contact care provider): Patients who report suicidal ideation or plans (at the time of assessment or duringmedication treatment) Acute psychosis (presence of delusions and/or hallucinations)Urgent Referral (treatment may be initiated but referral should be made concurrently): Symptoms severe and function significantly deteriorated (severe ADHD) Persistent suicidal ideation with no intent or suicide plan Patients who have any other major psychiatric condition as: psychosis; bipolar disorder(mania); schizoaffective disorder, Tourette’s syndrome or chronic motor or vocal tics.Usual Referral: Referral for Behavioural Therapy, if available. Patients who do not show symptoms of improvement despite adequate doses andadherence to medication. Patients who demonstrate significant growth (weight or height) difficulties. Patients with complex or potentially problematic physical conditions (eg: heart disease,liver disease). Patients who demonstrate significant side effects (eg: palpitations, changes in bloodpressure) during treatment.