'Camhs has never been top of the agenda,' says head of mental health body

The Mental Health Commission found staff shortages and absence of an ADHD-specific entry pathway means children with severe depression or other serious issues are prioritised ahead of children with ADHD. File picture

Children’s mental health has never been top of the agenda, and unless that changes families will face the same problems in 10 years time, ADHD Ireland has warned.

Between 30% and 50% of children attending Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) are referred for ADHD, Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland said.