ADHD in Adults National Clinical Programme MOC Launch

“Today sees the launch of the HSEs ADHD in Adults National Clinical Programme by Mary Butler T.D. and Minister of State for Older People and Mental Health. While ADHD is well recognised in children (5-7%), it is not so widely known that it persists in adults (1.5%).

This Programme addresses a significant service gap: the almost complete lack of public services for adults with ADHD. Dr. Amir Niazi, National Clinical Advisor Group Lead for Mental Health in the HSE, welcomed it stating this Programme will ensure the provision of skilled assessment and diagnosis together with treatment encompassing ADHD specific medication and psycho- social therapies.

Dr. Niazi explained it provides access for three groups of adults:

– those diagnosed as children with significant ADHD symptoms persisting into adulthood

– parents of children with ADHD, of whom 25% may have ADHD

– adults of all ages in whom ADHD was not recognised in childhood

The Model of Care developed is based on the Sláintecare principle of integrated care across mental health and primary care services, voluntary agencies such as ADHD Ireland and also third level education and employment services.

Dr. Margo Wrigley, Clinical Lead, stated that the Programme conceptualises ADHD as an altered ability rather than a disability. Effective management of its core symptoms and negative impacts enables people to unlock the positive aspects of ADHD and lead fulfilling lives.

More details on the ADHD in Adults NCP are available at:

www.hse.ie search: ADHD in Adults or https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/mental-health/adhd/ .”