Living with ADHD can be hard but when you have the proper treatment or support it makes a great difference. So if you or your family members are suffering from ADHD, there is support available in Ireland. This article provides info on what support is available, how you can get it, and other ways to manage your ADHD.
Understanding ADHD Support Services in Ireland
ADHD Support Ireland help both children or adults in diagnosing, managing and supporting ADHD symptoms. To get an ADHD diagnosis in Ireland, the initial first step is to visit your GP. Your GP would initially talk to you about your symptoms. They would then decide if these symptoms fit the criteria of ADHD. If your GP is unsure, they may ask someone else to assess your symptoms in more detail.
With children, an external review from a child psychiatrist psychologist, or neurodevelopmental pediatrician would be requested; and for adults a psychiatrist with experience in adult ADHD. Different types of interviews, possibly some questionnaires and in some cases some rating scales are used. The process requires good communication and openness.
Public vs. Private Services
What support you can get depends on whether you are receiving public treatment (HSE) or private care. Public treatment is more affordable, but there are often long waiting lists. Private care is more expensive but quicker, although many people only use this option for early diagnosis and intervention. It depends on what is best for your family. You may choose to use both public and private services — use a public provider to save money while waiting for an early diagnosis from a private provider.
Getting Support for Children
Children with ADHD can go to school and public programs. Schools and teachers are supposed to support and help children with ADHD learn by giving extra time on assignments and tests or helping them learn to manage their schedule, etc. Parents can attend support groups, which involve group discussions and conversations and listening and sharing information and resources. This keeps them informed and helps the parents of children with ADHD.
Support for Adults
It may be a hidden disorder, but the progression of ADHD, although incommoding, can be cautiously addressed especially for children. But it’s a little easier to get visible help for children with ADHD, than for an adult with ADHD. This is because most clinics offer treatment only to the aid of children and teenagers. Physicians are not only professionally trained to cure the disorder, but know how tremendously valuable being added to the support group is. Because they are also aware of such groups, a supportive environment is built amongst people who understand the struggle and share their stories with you.
Managing ADHD
ADHD needs multiple strategies to manage. For more information and resources for managing ADHD, go to HealthHero.
Meanwhile, make some lifestyle changes: exercise regularly, eat healthy food, get proper sleep, and add a schedule to your daily life. Schools can help, also. Therapy and counseling help to learn about time management, managing emotions, improving organizational skills, and regulation of behavior. It is also helpful in managing any related anxiety or depression. A combination of techniques helps to manage the symptoms of ADHD — and thus increase your quality of life.
