Articles
Expert articles and guides about ADHD and ASD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Article · gold standard tools
Beyond the Quiz: What is a Formal ADHD Assessment?
While online quizzes can spark initial awareness, they lack the clinical depth to reliably diagnose ADHD or rule out other mimicking medical conditions. A formal assessment by a Consultant Psychiatrist utilizes gold-standard tools like the DIVA-5, collateral reports, and developmental history to comprehensively evaluate your neurodevelopmental profile. This rigorous medical process provides the official clinical report necessary to secure legally recognized supports from the HSE, employers, and Irish educational institutions.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 24 June 2026
Article · Shared care with GP
Getting Your GP on Board: Shared Care Agreements
In Ireland, a Shared Care Agreement allows local GPs to manage monthly ADHD prescriptions while a Consultant Psychiatrist oversees long-term clinical care. Because GPs are not legally obligated to accept this arrangement, they may refuse if they doubt the specialist's credentials or the assessment's clinical rigor. Patients can improve their chances of approval by consulting their GP beforehand, choosing an IMC-registered psychiatrist, and fully stabilizing their medication dose first. If a GP declines the agreement, patients can still pay for private prescriptions, switch to a different GP practice, or seek a transfer to public HSE services.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 22 June 2026
Article · ADHD Diagnosis with Consultant Psychiatrist
The Importance of a Consultant Psychiatrist in the ADHD Journey
A Consultant Psychiatrist is essential for an accurate ADHD diagnosis in Ireland because their medical training allows them to safely rule out physical and psychological conditions that mimic the disorder. Additionally, this medical-led approach ensures safe medication management and provides a "gold standard" diagnosis officially recognized for HSE, educational, and workplace accommodations.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 19 June 2026
Article · From CAMHS to adult ADHD services
Transitioning from CAMHS to Adult ADHD Services: Avoiding the "Cliff Edge"
Turning 18 in Ireland often creates a "cliff edge" for ADHD patients as they transition from child (CAMHS) to adult services, risking a lapse in essential medication and support. Private psychiatrists help bridge this gap by providing continuous care, shared care agreements with GPs, and updated clinical reports required for university accommodations. Families are advised to begin planning at age 17 by requesting discharge summaries and securing consultations to ensure a seamless transition into adult ADHD care.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 18 June 2026
Article · neurodivergence
Is ADHD a Recognised Disability in Ireland? Your Rights Explained
In Ireland, ADHD is legally recognized as a disability under the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts, providing crucial protections against discrimination in both professional and academic settings. This classification empowers adults to request "Reasonable Accommodations" in the workplace—such as environmental adjustments or flexible schedules—and ensures students can access vital educational supports like the DARE scheme and exam accommodations. To successfully exercise these rights and secure necessary accommodations, individuals typically must obtain a formal clinical diagnosis and a detailed report from a registered Consultant Psychiatrist.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 17 June 2026
Article · online assessment
The Rise of Online ADHD Assessments in Ireland: Are They Valid?
Online ADHD assessments are increasingly popular but often face public skepticism regarding their legitimacy. However, when conducted rigorously, remote assessments are robust, evidence-based, and clinically valid.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 16 June 2026
Article · adhd
ADHD Diagnosis in Ireland: A Complete Guide for Adults and Parents
This article provides a comprehensive guide to obtaining a clinical ADHD diagnosis in Ireland, highlighting the importance of consulting specialized medical professionals. It also details the differences between the public healthcare system and the private sector to help patients and parents choose the best path toward proper support.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 11 June 2026
Article · diagnosis
ADHD in adults: Overdiagnosed or just the opposite?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a genetic condition rooted in executive dysfunction that frequently persists into adulthood. Contrary to public belief, adult ADHD is widely underdiagnosed because its symptoms are subtler and often masked by comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. If left untreated, this chronic disorder can severely disrupt an individual's personal relationships, academic performance, and career stability. Proper management requires a comprehensive clinical diagnosis, followed by a multidisciplinary approach combining medication and therapy to help patients effectively navigate daily life.
Dr Jaime Martinez · 10 June 2026