Scotland is facing a “system-wide crisis” when it comes to support for people with conditions such as ADHD and autism, psychiatrists have warned.
According to , waiting lists for neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) have soared to unprecedented levels with 65,000 people – including 42,000 children – currently waiting for an assessment.
In some areas demand has surged by more than 2,000 per cent since 2020, leaving some families facing waits of more than a decade.
Now the 萝莉视频 in Scotland (RCPsychiS) is calling for a different approach and sets out a 10-point plan for change in its new report - Multi-system solutions for meeting the needs of autistic people and people with ADHD in Scotland.
The paper warns that with no dedicated services in place, people with ADHD and autism are being pushed into general mental health services - not because they have a psychiatric illness, but because there is nowhere else for them to go.
Psychiatrists say this is placing unsustainable pressure on a system that was never designed to meet their needs.
Thousands remain stuck on waiting lists as their conditions worsen, while patients with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and eating disorders face dangerous delays.
The document highlights the wider economic impact, estimating the cost of autism to the UK to be more than ?40 billion a year, while untreated ADHD costs around ?17 billion annually through lost productivity, unemployment and pressure on health and justice services.
RCPsychiS is recommending a 10-point plan for change, including national standards for ADHD and autism assessments, a new four-tier service model across all age groups, school and workplace support that does not depend on a formal diagnosis and a dedicated funding to improve awareness and reduce stigma.
It concludes that continuing with the current approach is “not sustainable” and warns a fundamentally different “society-wide response” is urgently needed.
Dr Pavan Srireddy, vice-chair of RCPsychiS, said:
“We’re at breaking point because the scale of the problem now goes beyond what any mental health system in the world could deliver.
“It’s a public health emergency which is leaving thousands with NDCs on waiting lists with their difficulties worsening, while those with more serious conditions can’t get the help they need.
“The stakes are high. People with ADHD are up to five times more likely to die by suicide, while those with autism are nine times at greater risk. Left untreated ADHD can also reduce life expectancy by up to nine years.
“But through our 10-point plan we can change this, and we can be world-leading. We know the right support, offered early on in people’s journey can be life-changing and that rather than getting stuck, people can move on in their lives and flourish.”
Carol Stobie lives in East Lothian and discovered her ADHD at 60. She is on a ten-year waiting list for diagnosis.
She decided to attend a course and coaching at and now works for the organisation as a life coach, helping others.
The non-for-profit community interest company offers six in-person and online adult ADHD courses, monthly meet ups and coaching for adults with the condition, not requiring a diagnosis.
In her spare time, Carol enjoys writing a blog about her experiences and has her own cartoon character which she draws entitled - .
She agrees that change is drastically needed when it comes to the surge in those coming forward with ADHD.
She said:
“The need for psychosocial education, peer support and one-to-one coaching is becoming more urgent and we’re always full because people can often not afford private ADHD coaching or diagnoses.
“New thinking is needed all round - on how we manage the increase in those coming forward.
“I know different approaches are being used elsewhere in the world. For example, some of our materials are from the US, where awareness is 20 years ahead of the UK on ADHD.
“People with ADHD are more likely to experience things like addiction and depression and as someone with lived experience of the condition, I know this is something decision-makers must sort out.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: laura.varney@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: Laura Varney, Senior Media Officer (Devolved Nations)