Rise in ADHD queries linked partly to social media awareness, says Cork service

Increased awareness and pandemic disruption have driven a surge in ADHD queries, with families seeking guidance and support

Long waiting lists and delays have led to recent changes in how ADHD is managed for children across Cork and Kerry. File picture: PA

A “constant stream” of parents contact ADHD Ireland in Cork with questions about their children’s mental health, some of which is linked to the “positive” impact of social media.

Long waiting lists and delays have led to recent changes in how ADHD is managed for children across Cork and Kerry under the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs).

On Thursday evening, ADHD Ireland in Cork will host a "meet the experts" panel discussion with professionals who treat children with ADHD in the region.

Martin Abbott, service development manager for ADHD Ireland in Cork, said the number of queries has remained high since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There is a perception out there that Adhd is a faddy thing or just in fashion but the fact is we just have better tools to detect it,” he said.

“And since covid you had a lot of adults were at home then and they saw they couldn’t work well without the office environment. Similarly kids would had their structures in school taken away and without that scaffolding they didn’t function well.” 

He added: “So there was an epidemic of patients after that.” 

There is now also “a lot of information out there” on social media platforms, he said.

“There are informed people. There is a lot of bad information but I think generally people who are making these videos have the condition themselves and they talk about their own experience,” he said.

“Overall social media had been positive, and I think that’s all why we see so many cases now.” 

The event at the Metropole Hotel on Thursday evening features consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr David O’Driscoll and advanced nurse practitioner Kathryn Hallahan.

ADHD Ireland in Cork said: “the clinicians are attending in a personal and professional capacity and are not representing the HSE or speaking on behalf of Camhs services.” 

They are expected to discuss “practical, evidence-based understanding of ADHD, particularly in children and adolescents”.

Tickets for €10 can be bought on Eventbrite.

 - Niamh Griffin, health correspondent