ADHD supports ‘not good enough’

SUPPORT services for parents and families coping with ADHD are “nowhere near” where they should be, according to a leading child psychologist.

Professor Fiona McNicholas, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with the Lucena Clinic, said services were not adequate and varied around the country. She said it was imperative children were diagnosed early as 75% of mental health problems start when they are 15 to 18.

Meanwhile the HSE confirmed that two pilot projects set up for children and adolescents with ADHD in 2008 and listed as initiative developments in the first annual report of child and adolescent mental health services were not carried into 2009 due to financial constraints.