What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common neurodevelopmental condition with 3 core symptoms – inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. While ADHD has long been recognised as common in children, it is now known to persist into adulthood. Approximately 65% of children with a diagnosis of ADHD continue to have symptoms in adulthood and 15% of those would meet the full diagnostic criteria.

How does adult ADHD present?

Adult ADHD may present as difficulties managing emotions (emotional dysregulation), struggles with maintaining personal and social relationships, as well as ongoing educational and occupational challenges. Increased rates of co-morbid mental health problems, such as anxiety and/or depression are common in people with ADHD.

ADHD can be missed in childhood, leaving many people struggling with:

• Performing below the level expected in education and/or employment
• Frequent changes in jobs, missing promotions
• Getting easily distracted when trying to complete tasks or activities
• Fatigue as a result of feeling overwhelmed by all of the things needed to do daily, and from overthinking
• Starting tasks, particularly ones that are challenging
• Maintaining social contacts, or quickly growing bored with friendships and/or intimate relationships
• Low self-esteem and negative self-image

Help and support for adult ADHD

The HSE National Clinical Programme have produced a model of care for ADHD in adults in Ireland. This model emphasises the need for comprehensive and skilled assessments and evidence-based neurodiversity-affirmative multi-modal treatment.

Services offered by EBTC

At EBTC, we offer assessment of ADHD for adults as well as a range of psychological treatment options for those with ADHD. If you are interested in ADHD assessment or psychological treatment, please call us on 091 727777 or contact us here