Select a region
The lives of people living with undiagnosed ADHD will be severely impacted if the waiting list for assessments is closed, according to members of a local support group.
It comes after the island's Mental Health Director revealed that the Health Department is considering closing the waiting list for ADHD assessments – which currently has a backlog of over 700 patients.
Speaking to the Health Security Panel recently, Andy Weir said: "[ADHD] waiting lists have just got to the point where there is no point putting more people on them, frankly."
Pictured: Mental Health Director Andy Weir said closing the ADHD assessment waitlist was being considered due to its excessive length – but no decision had been reached yet.
Rachel Tippet, the founder of non-profit advocacy group ADHD Jersey, warned that shutting down the ADHD waitlist could have a real impact on the lives of undiagnosed islanders.
She explained that, when left untreated, the neurodevelopmental disorder can place significant strain on an individual's mental health, professional life, personal relationships, and self-worth.
ADHD Jersey's secretary, Carly Williams added: "The potential challenges include relationship breakdowns, loss of jobs, children's services involvement where parents struggle, substance abuse and suicide.
"Those who can get private assessments likely will, but what about those who can't afford it?"
Local ADHD patients spoke about the impact closing the waitlist would have on their lives.
Sarah* described feeling "horrified and saddened" by the potential closure, and said that "stopping the waiting lists is like pulling a rug over this problem".
Pictured (left to right): ADHD Jersey's secretary Carly Williams, project manager Kizz Moon, and founder Rachel Tippet.
She explained: "There are many people who are struggling with their mental health as a result of not being diagnosed, unable to carry out day-to-day activities, and unable to work.
"Many on this waiting list have already been overlooked for a majority of their lives, and now it looks like yet again they are going to be forgotten about or have to suffer in silence.
"Not being diagnosed or given answers to how you struggle with everything everyone else can do can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and self-worth.
"Diagnosis for many isn't always for the medication; it's understanding how your brain works and that you aren't broken."
Emma* said she felt "stuck" after going to three different private psychiatrists who turned her away due to being unable to take on any new referrals.
She added: "Andy Weir's comments are incredibly patronising.
"It is so frustrating. A lot of private practitioners aren't taking new clients on."
Charlotte* described closing ADHD waiting lists as a "poor approach to what's clearly a massive issue".
"It's a complete lack of care and empathy to a huge amount of people who need help," she said.
"It just feels like they're closing the doors on us.
"Even going private – where you're paying £750 to 1000, which is an extortionate amount of money – you're not going to be seen to for at least four months."
Pictured: Members of local non-profit advocacy group ADHD Jersey.
Others suggested that the proposal to close the waiting list downplays the significance of mental health concerns.
Commenting on social media, one islander said: "How innovative! We can do the same with the waiting lists for cataract surgery, for hip and knee replacement, for orthodontists.
"Just shut down the wait lists and the problem disappears. Right? Not quite."
*Names have been changed to protect patient anonymity.
Health considers shutting down ADHD waitlist
Gov to review how mental health medication is prescribed to children
FOCUS: ADHD patients turn to black market amid medication shortages
"Atrocious" waiting lists for ADHD and autism assessments
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.