Ireland ADHD services face pressure as referral pause hits north-east

Ireland is facing significant pressure on its ADHD assessment and treatment services due to rising demand. Increased public awareness and social media visibility have led more individuals to seek clinical evaluations, placing strain on the capacity of psychiatrists, pediatricians, and general practitioners.

In the north-east of the country, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has paused referrals to its tertiary-level specialist adult ADHD team. This pause, which began in late May, affects counties Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Monaghan. Dr. Nora Ibrahim, Clinical Lead for the North East Adult ADHD Services, stated that the measure was necessary to prevent waiting lists from expanding unchecked, which would pose clinical and operational risks.

The service reported receiving over 375 referrals in the first six months of 2026, while current staffing levels allow for only 14 new assessments per month. The HSE intends to resume referrals once the waiting list is reduced to approximately 50 patients, with a planned maximum capacity of 500 referrals.