Related Experiment Videos
General practitioners' (GP) attitudes and knowledge about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Ireland
Dimitrios Adamis1,2,3, Mimi Tatlow-Golden4, Blánaid Gavin5
1Sligo Mental Health Services, Clarion Rd, Sligo, Ireland. dimaadamis@yahoo.com.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|April 15, 2018
Summary
A slim majority of Irish general practitioners (GPs) hold positive attitudes towards Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This finding suggests potential issues with ADHD diagnosis and treatment in the Irish context.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- General Practice
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a primary reason for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) referrals.
- General Practitioners (GPs) are crucial in identifying ADHD symptoms and facilitating referrals.
- Ambiguous understanding and varying attitudes towards ADHD exist among GPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and identify GPs' attitudes and beliefs regarding ADHD in Ireland.
- To determine factors associated with these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to a representative sample of qualified Irish GPs.
- The survey assessed GPs' practice, ADHD knowledge, training, personal experiences, and attitudes.
Main Results:
- 140 GPs participated, with a 28% response rate.
- 58.8% of GPs expressed positive attitudes towards ADHD.
- Positive attitudes were more common in GPs aged 36-55, those seeing fewer suspected ADHD cases annually, and those in primary care teams.
Conclusions:
- A slight majority of Irish GPs exhibit positive attitudes toward ADHD, despite its prevalence.
- This attitude may contribute to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of ADHD.
- Targeted strategies are needed to improve ADHD understanding and management among GPs.