AT LEAST 60,000 children in Ireland are living with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder), though there may be many more undiagnosed cases, a support organisation for families has said.
The HADD (Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder) family support group is seeking an expansion in diagnostic and support clinics.
“There is one psychiatrist per 168 children with ADHD and the waiting time for a public consultation can be as high as one year,” said the group.
Issuing the statement at the start of ADHD Awareness Week, the group said it was receiving up to 4,000 calls to its helpline every year.
ADHD is a neurological disorder in which the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals – noradrenaline and dopamine – do not function properly. It manifests itself in hyperactivity and low attention spans in children.
Until recently it was thought that people with ADHD outgrew the condition. However, recent studies have shown that of those with undiagnosed ADHD, 60 per cent will continue with a modified form into adulthood.
If untreated it can lead to problems in later life with managing emotions, regulating moods and dealing with frustrations.
The condition is four times more frequent in boys than girls, but because inattentiveness is the major symptom in girls there is a far greater chance that it will remain undiagnosed among females.
ADHD Awareness Week hopes to raise knowledge of the condition among Irish people and to highlight the need for improved treatment.
A number of events will take place over the week including a practical advice seminar for parents and carers at 8pm tomorrow in the Academy Plaza Hotel in Dublin.
More information at hadd.ie or from the helpline at 01-8748349.
