"Denied ADHD referral"

GP requested a referral for ADHD assessment and I was turned down. Psychiatrist reported that I don't have ADHD but instead something else based on extensive, and documented, childhood presentation, meeting all symptoms, scoring highly on all clinically recommended questionnaires, 3 attempts by a GP to refer, and nothing else, not even meeting me. Complaint via the NHS led to being told that actually Forth Valley have no ADHD pathway for adults.

In the initial correspondence between the GP and the mental health team, the GP was informed that the mental health team also needed to see evidence of childhood presentation, which is completely inaccurate given that no pathway exists anyway even if this is present. Therefore, it seems that even the staff working for the health board have no idea that there is no adult ADHD pathway available.

This has now been taken higher, given what I feel is the significant public impact. Coming to this conclusion based on these points only has a significant impact on a patient who has reached a point of seeking out a diagnosis. Indeed, having this response from a psychiatrist when it has not been based on a full review of the patient's records and has no discernible basis will in many cases prevent a patient from ever seeking a diagnosis again, which given the significantly increased risk of suicide, depression, and substance misuse has the potential to have a devastating and continuing effect on the patient. 

Awaiting response from the ombudsman before initiating legal proceedings for what I believe to be negligence.