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‘ADHD’ Special Edition of Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine Published
Press Release: 20/09/2018
‘ADHD’ Special Edition of Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine Published
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) represents one of the most common mental health conditions and remains one of the most frequent clinical presentations at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Ireland. Recognising this and the need for shared research on the disorder the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine* (IJPM) is delighted to launch a dedicated edition to ADHD, Special Issue: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Volume 35 Issue 3), compiled by guest editors and Consultant child & adolescent psychiatrists, Dr Blánaid Gavin and Prof Fiona McNicholas.
Dr Blánaid Gavin highlights the importance of research in the area of ADHD in order to provide the best care for patients as early as possible:
“Given the increasing awareness of ADHD and growing acceptance of the impairment it creates in the lives of children, teenagers and adults, this Special Edition of the journal is particularly timely. It points to the need to ensure that ADHD is widely understood to facilitate early detection and intervention to optimise outcome for all.”
This issue reinforces the importance of early intervention in order to optimise positive outcomes for people with ADHD, to reduce their experiences of distress, and to give them the best chance to reach their full potential in life. While ADHD is commonly recognised as a childhood disorder, continuation of mental health difficulties into adulthood is important to consider when planning services for those with ADHD.
“Mental health difficulties in adulthood are much more common in those with ADHD including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and substance misuse.” (Gavin, B. McNicholas, F. 2018)
Prof Fiona McNicholas, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and Consultant Psychiatrist at Crumlin Children’s hospital was guest editor for this edition:
“Given the recent development of a national clinical programme in ADHD in Ireland, coupled with a growing evidence for effective interventions, it is hoped that this special edition will highlight the need for appropriate and accessible ADHD treatments across the lifespan.”
The IJPM is the official research journal of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and this special issue endeavours to offer varied insights into ADHD, current discussions about the disorder, and provides information for clinicians seeking guidance on day-to-day clinical practice.