A HAMPSHIRE man who tried to take his own life after his depression was misdiagnosed as dementia for nearly a decade has been awarded compensation. 

In 2010, Martin, a carpenter from Fareham, visited his GP complaining of memory difficulties. Following a CT scan, a consultant diagnosed him with middle cognitive impairment, which can be linked to depression or early onset dementia, and prescribed a drug to help with his memory problems. 

At Martin's repeat scan in 2011, there was a small increase in the cognitive impairment. As a result, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, prescribed medication for the disease, and advised to cease working.

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Over the years, Martin was seen and tested regularly at the Southern Health Foundation Trust. CT scan reports showed no unusual features, but he continued to receive Alzheimer's Disease medication and support.

The years of being on the wrong medication took its toll on Martin and his family and he even tried to take his own life.

In 2019, his Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis was revoked.

Martin, who we agreed not to fully name, and his wife sought legal advice from specialist mental capacity law firm Enable Law, which successfully represented the couple. They were awarded a confidential amount of compensation to support them going forward.

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Legal Director at Enable Law, Claire Leslie, said: "Martin's case was complex as he had been on heavy medication for something he did not have while his actual condition was left unmonitored. The medical support offered to him was centred on Alzheimer's meaning his depression was left unchecked.

"We now know that his depression spiralled out of control, and we can safely say that the cause of this was the lack of support and misdiagnosis. There were so many missed opportunities to pick up on the misdiagnosis. We are proud to have secured compensation that will enable the family to pay for much needed mental health support going forward.

"Martin's case stresses the importance of being listened to as a patient and just how complex mental health is. The family plans to continue to raise awareness on the issues highlighted in this case and we have connected them with charities that will support them."

Dr Steve Tomkins, chief medical officer for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Southern Health is sorry for the distress caused by the mis-diagnosis and we would like to take this opportunity to once again apologise to Martin and his family for the effect this has had on them."