ADHD Services in Northern Ireland: Calls for Urgent Action Grow Amid Lack of Diagnosis and Support

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland are currently unable to access an ADHD diagnosis or NHS-funded treatment, leaving many facing worsening mental health, financial strain, and long-term personal consequences. Campaigners say the situation amounts to a serious system failure and are now calling for urgent action from the Department of Health.

A growing public petition is urging the Department to take responsibility and agree to meaningful, immediate action to ensure ADHD services are properly commissioned and accessible. Supporters argue that without intervention, people will continue to be denied care simply because services do not exist.

Why ADHD Services Matter

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that affects concentration, impulse control, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. When left undiagnosed or untreated, ADHD can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

People affected often report:

• Difficulty maintaining employment or managing finances
• Strained relationships and social isolation
• Increased anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
• A higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Campaigners warn that untreated ADHD is linked to a substantially increased risk of suicide, particularly among adults who have spent years struggling without answers or support.

A System That Doesn’t Exist

Unlike other parts of the UK, adult ADHD services in Northern Ireland are not formally commissioned, meaning health trusts are not required to provide diagnosis pathways or treatment services. As a result, many people are left in limbo, with no clear route to assessment or care.

This lack of infrastructure has forced thousands to seek private diagnoses, often costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Even then, many struggle to access NHS prescriptions or shared care arrangements, leaving them paying privately for medication or going without treatment altogether.

Advocates describe the situation as a postcode lottery, where access depends more on geography and personal finances than medical need.

Delays and Frustration

A regional ADHD needs assessment, intended to clarify demand and guide service planning, has been repeatedly delayed. While publication is now expected in 2026, campaigners fear that without a clear commitment to action, the report alone will not resolve the crisis.

For many families and individuals, the wait has already stretched into years. During that time, people report worsening mental health, burnout, job loss, and growing feelings of being ignored by the health system.

What the Petition Is Calling For

The petition calls on the Department of Health to:

• Commission ADHD services across all Health and Social Care Trust areas
• Ensure fair access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care
• Address the mental health and suicide risks linked to untreated ADHD
• End reliance on private healthcare as the only viable option

Supporters say the issue is not a lack of awareness, but a lack of action.

The Human Cost of Inaction

Behind the statistics are real people struggling to cope without support. Many describe feeling dismissed, exhausted, and financially drained after years of trying to access help.

Campaigners argue that failing to provide ADHD services does not save money in the long run, as untreated ADHD contributes to higher rates of mental health crises, unemployment, and reliance on emergency services.

How You Can Help

Those behind the campaign say public pressure is essential to drive change.

You can support the call for action by signing and sharing the petition:
https://www.change.org/ADHDSharedCareNI

They say change only happens when enough voices speak up — and that silence allows the crisis to continue.