Who prescribes medication for a child Diagnosed with ADHD

[Whothatbe]

Hi, I'm just wondering if a diagnosis of ADHD is given to a child in Ireland. This would be from a psychologist in this case. Who then can prescribe medication or treatment? Can the GP or is it then a waiting list for a psychiatrist? Anyone with any experience I'd be very grateful. Thanks a million.

The doctors can only take over the prescription once its been done by the physiatrist. It can take a while to get the right strength and brand.

I can only speak as an adult who recently got diagnosed. I got the diagnosis from the psycholigist but it was the psychiatrist that has given me the prescription. They sent it to my pharmacy who then sent it to my normal GP and aside from going back for a consultation in a few weeks I can just get the gp to give the script in from now on. It came with a list of things to do and not to do and how to take it (concerta) and just for your info in case you have one it is actually covered via medical card.

If you want medication for your child they will need to see a child psychiatrist. In practice this means they will need to be rediagnosed again as most will not prescribe based on a psychologist’s
diagnosis alone. You can ask to be referred to CAMHS but the waiting lists are long. There are a number of private psychiatrists available - if you contact ADHD Ireland they will give you a list. If you have VHI they also run an ADHD clinic for members which will diagnose and prescribe.

As others have said it takes a while to find the correct dosage for your child so there will be regular appointments. Once the medication is stable some GPs will take over prescribing from the consultant but many will not. Medication is free under the Long Term Illness Scheme for all under 16s.

Just adding that the ADHD Irish Support Group on Facebook is a great resource for adults with and parents of kids with ADHD. You’ll find a lot more information there.

@TheRulerofThings thanks so much. That's really helpful.