Hi, I’m a student looking to get an ADHD diagnosis. My gp referred me to a clinic in Harrow in October 2024. The doctor said the waiting time would be shorter than Right to Choose, so I followed his advice. Now, I’ve been trying to receive updates since then and at times I’d call the gp and they would give me the wrong number or email, which would leave me to wait for several weeks.
Today I decided enough is enough. I called my gp and told them to tell me the phone number. I called it and as expected, it was not the clinic for ADHD. Then I was told they can only be contacted by email so I sent them an email about the waiting times.
Curiously I saw their email, and tried to find website with the email linked. And sure enough, I found it. However, Not only did it say, they no longer reply to emails asking of waiting times, but it also said the waiting time is an average of 36 months.
So I was sent on a wild goose chase, AGAIN, and now I know it will take 3 years for me to be given the opportunity to be assessed for a diagnosis through the NHS. That’s the same amount of time needed to finish a university degree!
You may think I should have expected this because ADHD is known for its long waiting times, but the doctor told me it would take around 6 months. If this were true I would be so happy but I guess it’s not.
I could go private but I’m still a student right now, and I don’t want my mum spending so much money on something I can get for free, but 36 months is a joke. The longest I’ve ever heard was around 24.
I’m just so upset and confused, I don’t know who I can speak to about this. I’ve even spoken to teachers at my school who deal with students like me, but I haven’t received any updates. This situation is so frustrating because I know I need support, I need help, but I’m just being lied to and confused every time I try to reach out. I don’t know at this point so I guess you’re my last resort.
What can I even do in this situation?