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Attitudes and reported practice of paediatricians and child psychiatrists regarding the assessment and treatment of ADHD in Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2017

F. Honorio Neto ,
M. Tatlow-Golden Open the ORCID record for M. Tatlow-Golden [Opens in a new window] ,
A. Mulligan ,
B. Gavin  and
F. McNicholas
F. Honorio Neto*
Affiliation:
UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
M. Tatlow-Golden
Affiliation:
Developmental Psychology and Childhood, Faculty of Well-Being, Education and Language Studies, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
A. Mulligan
Affiliation:
UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
B. Gavin
Affiliation:
UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
F. McNicholas
Affiliation:
UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: M. s. F. Honorio Neto, UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Objectives

This mixed-method national survey has obtained original data on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) attitudes, assessment and treatment regimes reported by paediatricians and child psychiatrists; and has compared their clinics. It has examined the extent of involvement of Irish paediatricians in the management of ADHD.

Methods

A questionnaire was designed, based on a review of literature and ADHD guidelines, and piloted by expert clinicians. Universal recruitment was conducted among Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) consultants (n=71) and community/general paediatric consultants (n=72). Quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analysed.

Results

There was an overall response rate of 43%. A dedicated ADHD clinic is offered in 79% of CAMHS services, but only in one paediatric service. Participants reported that the assessment of ADHD involves multidisciplinary work and this was only established in CAMHS clinics. Medication is initiated by 82% of child psychiatrists and only 22% of paediatricians.

Conclusions

This first national study of ADHD attitudes and practices presents comprehensive data regarding the management of children with ADHD in CAMHS and paediatric settings in Ireland. Paediatricians reported a minor role in managing ADHD. Study limitations are related to subjective reporting rather than case note audit, and a moderate response rate for the paediatricians’ participants.

Keywords

Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivityattitudeschild psychiatrypaediatricstherapeutics
Type
Original Research
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 35 , Special Issue 3: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , September 2018 , pp. 181 - 191
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2017 

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