Early diagnosis of ADHD is important so the right support can be received.

If you think your child or yourself may have ADHD, you should first contact your GP to discuss your concerns and seek a referral. Your doctor will usually refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or paediatrician for assessment.

Diagnosing ADHD, and any coexisting difficulties is complicated and much like putting together a puzzle. An accurate diagnosis requires an assessment by a well-trained and experienced professional.

This professional will compile a case history, including when symptoms began and for how long they persisted. Parents and teachers usually help with this assessment for those under 18 years old; and you may be asked to fill out questionnaires.

In adults, information from an external source, such as a parent or sibling will usually be used to assess the individual’s history and the effects of symptoms at different stages of the person’s life.

Assessments often include medical and psychological evaluations, but at the very minimum they will involve a clinical interview – each specialist differs in their approach. However, this does not mean that diagnosis is not accurate and/or valid. There are strict diagnostic criteria for ADD/ADHD which draws the line of demarcation between ADHD and other conditions.

ADHD will affect everyone differently, and people with ADHD often have additional coexisting difficulties or disorders, such as learning disorders, so assessments must be flexible and adapt to the specific individual.

For more information on this please send us an email or call us on (01) 874 8349.

PLEASE BE AWARE – If you receive an ADHD report from a psychologist and wish to take medication, you will have to be re-diagnosed by your doctor or psychiatrist. You will not be able to use your psychologist report to acquire medication.