"Poor service, misdiagnosis and inadequate supports"

Poor service, misdiagnosis and inadequate supports - 6.5 years of my life wasted.

After being misdiagnosed with bipolar in 2015 I requested a further assessment as I suspected I had adult ADHD. After waiting over a year and a half, during this time I lost my job due to the side effects of the medication I was on for a condition I didn't have.

Once reassessed and ADHD confirmed I was seen by the ADHD services once regarding medications and discharged back to my GP. After taking a reaction to the medication I requested to be re-referred to trial a new medication (as my GP couldn't prescribe). After a further waiting period of one year I was finally seen. During this time I was seen by a private psychiatrist who also diagnosed dysthemia (severe depression which was treatment resistant). I spent all my savings just to access treatment. The private psychiatrists reports were never used and not accepted by the GP practice - further delaying my treatment by 1 year. During this time I had to move house and my marriage broke down due to the total decline in my mental health and depression.

After 18 months I am still awaiting treatment for my ADHD. During my last meeting with a psychiatrist they refused to prescribe due to the chaos in my situation. They actually wanted me to get my life in order to prove that it was ADHD! ! ! The psychiatrist's knowledge of ADHD was shocking considering They were working in this particular area, I challenged this strongly and insisted it was discussed by the team. The decision was overturned and I am now awaiting my next appointment to start treatment. My son has ADHD and the support and understanding within Ryegate is incredible and I have a lot of input into his care and treatment.

Through SPA it feels as if I'm being treated as a mental health service user not a Neuro-developmental service user. Absolutely appalling experience which has had such a detrimental impact on my life - I've lost 6. 5 years of my life due to the absolute incompetence of Sheffield Mental health services, GP and Neurodevelopmental services. This has affected my son which is completely unacceptable. I've asked if they'd find this level of service acceptable if it was a member of their family, uncomfortable silence or deflection by all..

However the reception staff have been amazing and really supportive, professional and efficient, it's just a pity that it's not seen in the actual medical team.