An Edinburgh student waited six years for an ADHD assessment through the NHS before shelling out over £2,000 for a private assessment.
Kaitlyn Smith lived what she called a “chaotic” lifestyle for years, dropping out of university and even racking up £30,000 of debt in connection with her untreated “impulsive” behaviour.
The NHS waitlist for an ADHD assessment stretches for years, with over 3,500 people in Edinburgh queueing for assessment in 2023 alone.
Kaitlyn said she struggled her whole life to regulate her behaviour, being punished in school for distracting other students.
As Kaitlyn got older, she left home at 16 and lived what she called an “impulsive” and “chaotic” lifestyle.
She had difficulty saving money and would book spur-of-the-moment trips to European destinations.
She said: “I am very impulsive. My life has always been chaotic. I was in over draft on my credit cards and couldn’t save money. That was my life for a while, I was ruining my life. To be at this age and almost going bankrupt – I am in £30,000 worth of debt.
“Looking back knowing what it was now, I understand [it was my ADHD].”
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Kaitlyn received a “life changing” ADHD diagnosis
(Image: Supplied)
ADHD is an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that can lead to problems with impulsiveness and risk taking, following instructions, organisation and time management, and completing tasks.
Kaitlyn reported extreme difficulty focusing on most tasks, such as paying bills and budgeting.
In 2024, Kaitlyn sought treatment from a private clinic and received a “life-changing” ADHD diagnosis.
After starting medication, the student said her symptoms were like “night and day”.
After dropping out of the Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television twice, Kaitlyn enrolled at Edinburgh Napier and was finally able to focus on school work.
She continued: “My brain is so much clearer. I can actually focus on something for a few hours.
“I’m getting better marks. I only went to two lectures in September prior to getting medication. After meds, I was able to catch up with three months worth in just a week or two. My teachers are taking me more seriously.
“I’ve improved my relationship with my partner as well. I don’t get angry as fast, I’m listening to what people are saying. That is life changing.”
Despite facing tens of thousands of pounds in debt, the 24-year-old was optimistic about the future. Where she previously was unable to engage with her debt collector, Kaitlyn has begun the process of repaying her debts.
She said: “I feel like I’m going to have a better life. I’m not burying my head in sand anymore. I’m opening emails and replying to them. Previously I would ignore them. The meds make me able to do things I need to do.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Whilst it is not possible to comment on a single case without precise detail, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership remain committed to redesigning processes, increasing clinical capacity and prioritising treatments for those seeking assistance and assessment for ADHD.”
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