I am hearing from constituents that struggling to get their child assessed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a constant battle, whether that be waiting for appointments or just being heard.

Given the clear link between the condition and suicide attempts, it is clear to me that action is needed.

It is believed one in 10 boys and one in four girls who have ADHD attempt suicide.

That is why I led a debate recently in Parliament calling for improvements in the diagnostic process.

I recently met with a constituent, Tanya Bardsley, who has spoken openly about her struggles with getting a diagnosis later in life.

She suffered for nearly four decades with depression, anxiety, impulsivity and tried to take her own life three times before she finally sought private help and received a diagnosis of ADHD.

Tanya’s story is not unique, adults with ADHD are five times more likely to attempt suicide than those without it.

She, like me, believes we need greater understanding of ADHD and the issues surrounding the condition and wants to see improved waiting times and better diagnostics, to help both young people and their families.

Despite ADHD first being mentioned in 1902, it was not until 2000 that the National Institute of Clinical Excellence brought out its first report into the condition.

I am told, prior to that in the 1990s, there was enormous amounts of scepticism about the existence of the condition and virtually no recognition of its importance in education or mental health services.

For those at the beginning of the process, the wait for an assessment can be long with little information available as to when the appointment will be, so I called on government to introduce a dashboard – in the same way there is for autism - which would provide that detailed information.

I am delighted Health Minister Maria Caulfield agreed to look into it as well as meet with myself and Tanya to talk about other issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment.

I was shocked after speaking with ADHD UK in preparation for the debate to find out that in the last three years, across parts of Cheshire 84 per cent of girls referred for assessment, were rejected by the Health Authority.

This is despite being referred by either their school or a GP. Given the clear link to suicide attempts, this cannot be allowed to continue.

Researching the issue more for constituents, I found that girls often go undiagnosed or a formal diagnosis takes longer than those of boys as the behaviours exhibited by the two genders are very different.

Boys, it is claimed, show more boisterous behaviour so are noticed but girls revert into themselves meaning they go unnoticed. 

A clear pathway for referrals is needed. An early diagnosis of ADHD will have a significant impact on an individual’s life: on their development, self-confidence and self-awareness, and their physical and mental wellbeing.

For someone with ADHD, a diagnosis can help them understand why they are struggling with life.

The response from Maria Caulfield to my debate was positive, and I am pleased she is on board and committed to improving referrals and wait times.

This will make a real difference to many families across Tatton and further afield and I look forward to meeting with her in the coming weeks, along with Tanya, to see what else can be done.