If you live in Scotland and you’re seeking ADHD support, you’re not imagining the squeeze. Neurodevelopmental services are under intense pressure, and that reality is shaping everyday life for families, students and working adults across the country. Here’s what’s happening — and how we’re responding for our community.
The picture in Scotland
Independent parliamentary analysis shows a sharp rise in people waiting for neurodevelopmental assessment: as of March 2025, there were over 42,000 children and ~23,000 adults on lists across Scotland. See the Scottish Parliament research briefing and summary here: Neurodevelopmental Pathways & Waiting Times and the SPICe Spotlight explainer “what do the numbers say?”.
For children who progress into specialist care, CAMHS performance against the national standard (that 90% should start treatment within 18 weeks) has improved, though access pressures remain locally. See the latest statistics from Public Health Scotland CAMHS waiting times and the Scottish Government’s update “Waiting times standard met”.
On top of access, medicine supply has been patchy across several commonly used ADHD treatments. NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service provides the national position and practical prescribing advice: ADHD medicines — supply & prescribing (ongoing updates; also see regional updates such as April 2025 update).
How diagnosis is evolving
Scotland historically looked to SIGN, but its ADHD guidance is flagged as out of date (see SIGN proposal noting legacy guidance). Services commonly reference the NICE guideline used across the UK:
NICE NG87: ADHD — diagnosis & management. NICE reviewed NG87 on 7 May 2025 and added links to relevant diagnostics guidance; this was a signpost update rather than a change to core practice. Importantly, diagnosis still relies on a full clinical assessment by a qualified professional; tools can support but not replace clinician judgement.
What this means for people in Scotland
- Longer routes to care. Many citizens face months (sometimes longer) to begin assessment; adult ADHD pathways vary by health board, creating gaps in access. See the Parliament briefing above for the board-level picture.
- Medication uncertainty. Intermittent shortages mean usual brands/strengths may be unavailable; any switch should be clinician-led. See NHS SPS guidance linked above.
- Mixed information. With guidelines and tools in the news, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. The constant is evidence-based assessment and personalised support.
How Enlightened Minds is responding
- Clear, evidence-informed assessments and advice. Our clinicians follow NG87 and explain each step. If you’re pursuing NHS routes, we’ll help you prepare strong school/work evidence and understand your local pathway (see Public Health Scotland and Scottish Parliament links above for context).
- “Do-something-today” tools — free and privacy-first. Try our Interactive Therapy Studio for quick supports at home: a calming Breathing Box, a Thought Challenger for unhelpful thinking, and a Support Toolkit tailored to how you feel (stressed, depressed, low energy, insomnia and more). It runs in your browser and saves locally. You can also explore our ADHD/ASD Asset Hub: Free ADHD & ASD Asset Hub.
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Medication navigation, not guesswork.
If you’re affected by stock issues, we’ll coordinate with your prescriber on safe, temporary alternatives. Please don’t self-adjust doses — use the NHS SPS and local NHS updates above as your reference. -
Scotland-specific signposting.
We track updates across health boards, CAMHS data and parliamentary briefings, and we’ll point you to local routes if adult ADHD services are limited where you live.
Practical steps you can take this week
- Document what’s happening. Keep a simple log (dates, settings, examples) from home, school or work — it speeds triage and strengthens referrals.
- Use skills daily, not perfectly. Two minutes of calm breathing or one realistic micro-task beats waiting until life is “sorted.”
- Talk to your prescriber before any change. If you hit a pharmacy dead-end, ask about safe alternatives or bridging plans (see NHS SPS guidance).
- Ask about adult pathways in your health board. If they’re unavailable, we’ll help you explore alternatives and keep your documentation in order.
Our commitment
ADHD support in Scotland is moving; slowly, but it’s moving. While systems adapt, Enlightened Minds stays focused on what helps right now: clear assessment, honest guidance and small tools that reduce friction in daily life. If you need structured help, we’re here. If you just need something practical tonight, open the studio, take a breath and start with one small step.
If you feel unsafe or in crisis: seek urgent help — call NHS 24 on 111 or 999. Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 (free).