Vol. 524 No. 4
116 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health and Children the diagnostic facilities that are available to identify attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults; the treatment that is available for children and adults; where this treatment is available; and the plans he has to expand this service. [22806/00]
Attention deficit disorder-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a clinical diagnosis. There is no test for establishing the presence of the condition. The diagnosis, assessment and treatment for ADD-ADHD are provided for children by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists and for adults by consultant psychiatrists. The consultant determines the appropriate treatment, refers patients to appropriate services and prescribes medication if required.
Out-patient clinics staffed by consultant-led, multi-disciplinary teams are deemed the most appropriate treatment setting for persons suffering from ADD-ADHD. Additional revenue of £3 million has been provided for child and adolescent psychiatry since 1997 primarily for the development of dedicated consultant-led, multi-disciplinary teams. Each health board now has a dedicated team in place and services continue to be developed. Adults who have been identified as suffering from ADD-ADHD are treated within the adult psychiatric services.
A working group has been established by my Department to review child and adolescent psychiatry and to finalise a plan for the further development of this service. The organisation of services for the treatment of ADD-ADHD will be considered as part of this review. The group is expected to issue an interim report later this year.
