Lack of access to mental health services for people affected by neurological conditions is profoundly impacting the wellbeing of people across Scotland.

Research released today by the Neurological Alliance of Scotland shows how the underfunded neurological third sector is struggling to cope with the volume and intensity of demand for mental health support amongst those affected by neurological conditions who cannot get support from the NHS.

The report highlights significant increases in calls to helplines since 2017, charities are increasingly having to deal with safeguarding issues as carers reach burnout and there are reports of increasingly complex calls to helplines, including suicidal ideation and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition, the report points out that the NHS routinely refers people to neurological charities for social and emotional support yet does not provide third sector with enough funding to deal with these referrals.

It is noted that a steady year-on-year increase in the prevalence of neurological conditions, coupled with extended NHS waiting times and difficulty accessing services has led to overwhelming demand on the neurological third sector.

Early intervention

The report goes on to highlight how early intervention to support mental health at the earliest stages of diagnosis of a neurological condition, often provided by third-sector specialists, has a huge cost benefit.

This is particularly true for children and young people who are being routinely failed by long waiting times to access CAMHS as well as for those affected by complex, degenerative, or fluctuating conditions.

Keith Park, Chair of the Neurological Alliance of Scotland Mental Health Subgroup and co-author of the report said: “The publication of the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy in 2023 has not made any difference in the availability of support for those affected by neurological conditions. Neurological charities are providing services which should be funded by the NHS and the Scottish Government, and things cannot continue as they are.

“Early intervention is the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to supporting people to live well with often complex and debilitating neurological conditions, and part of the problem comes down to a lack of partnership working between mental health, neurology and other related specialities and the neurological third sector.

“We are calling for a more coordinated approach, putting the person at the centre of their own care, without lengthy waiting times or a sense of abandonment but with a steady hand to guide them from the very start of their journey.

“We want to see neurologists asking questions about emotional wellbeing and for the mental health workforce to better understand the challenges of living with a condition which can impact so many areas of life.

“More than anything, we want to see equitable access of care, whether it is neurological or mental health, available to everyone irrespective of postcode, across Scotland. And we want to see statutory bodies properly fund third sector organisations that already deliver this support on the ground.”

The report “Recommendations for better mental health support for people affected by neurological conditions” is available here.