AQW 47877/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health whether each Health and Social Care Trust has a formal pathway for the transition of young people diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, who require ongoing medication and clinical support into adulthood.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 4 June 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
4 June 2026
Answer due by
19 June 2026
Answered
29 June 202625 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

The Department of Health recognises the importance of safe and effective transition arrangements for young people with ADHD as they move from Children to Adult Services, particularly where ongoing medication and clinical support are required.

There is currently no commissioned Adult ADHD Service in Northern Ireland and, as such, no formally agreed regional transition pathway. In the absence of a standardised pathway, some limited provision has evolved over time in response to demand and in a manner, which has been dependent upon resources and clinical expertise within each of the Health and Social Care Trusts. Existing provision is variable and subject to extensive waiting lists.

All Health and Social Care Trusts have local arrangements in place to support continuity of care for individuals diagnosed in childhood who require ongoing medication, typically through psychiatric review within Adult Services. Adults presenting with comorbid mental health needs may also be assessed within existing Adult Mental Health Services where clinical thresholds are met.

The Department of Health recently published the ADHD Needs Assessment Report on 12 February 2026 which included consideration of current service arrangements and identified a need to develop a standardised pathway based on best practice to promote the smooth transition of young people to Adult Services. Officials are now considering options for future implementation of the report recommendations. Any future commissioning will be subject to resource availability and wider budgetary considerations.

Official sources