Cole-Hamilton raises ADHD waits with First Minister

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament during this afternoon’s session of First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“Stephen is a teenager waiting for a diagnosis for ADHD and a range of other complex conditions. His initial consultation with child and adolescent mental health was five years ago.

“He’s still waiting for treatment, and the family have no idea when he’ll reach the front of what must now be the longest queue in the National Health Service.

“They fear he will face more of the most important years of his life- schooling, relationships, exams- without the care pathway or the medication he needs.

“This is a national crisis. Across Scotland, the number of ADHD referrals has skyrocketed. It’s up 1000% in Glasgow among adults. But resources have simply not kept pace with demand.

“Today is World Mental Health Day, and we know ADHD can often present alongside other conditions including anxiety and depression.

“So can I ask the First Minister, when we get to next year’s World Mental Health Day, will Stephen and others like him still be waiting for care?”