It is important for the families of people affected by ADHD to know that there are effective treatments for this condition, a leading psychiatrist has said.

According to Prof Michael Fitzgerald, a consultant adult and child psychiatrist, around 5% of people are affected by ADHD and it continues to be ‘a somewhat controversial condition'.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a behavioural disorder, the main symptoms of which include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those affected show poor concentration, are often unable to complete tasks, day dream a lot, are distracted easily, act without thinking and can suffer temper tantrums.

Hyperactive symptoms can include restlessness and not being able to remain seated, such as during meals. In adults, this can manifest itself through excessive talking and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Prof Fitzgerald noted that in adults, ADHD is often confused with conditions such as bipolar disorder. Adults often present to their GP with a ‘history of problems from primary school onwards', such as early dropping out from school, underperforming academically, having a long list of jobs, poor organisation skills, poor time management and being easily bored.

"They often dabble in self-medication, for example cannabis, and indeed can go on to use cocaine as a form of self-medication, with tragic consequences," he pointed out.

He said that adults with ADHD ‘often have a tendency to get in trouble with the law' and insisted that anyone who does get into trouble with the law ‘should always be assessed for undiagnosed and untreated ADHD'.

Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience the breakdown of relationships, including marriages, and are often considered accident prone.

"They use up extra health resources because of accidents, substance misuse and engagement in risky behaviour," Prof Fitzgerald said.

When it comes to younger people, up to half of those who are referred to child and adolescent mental health services ‘will meet the criteria for ADHD'.

"This would be one of the most common reasons for referral to child and adolescent mental health, and children and adolescents with inattentive type of ADHD are often missed for years. Indeed, it is very common for me to see them for the first time in their Leaving Cert year when they are underperforming and it is clear they have underperformed throughout their school career," Prof Fitzgerald said.

He also pointed out that the condition is ‘particularly easily missed in girls'.

The first line of treatment for people with ADHD is behavioural intervention and if this is unsuccessful, medication should be considered.

Prof Fitzgerald emphasised that families should try to remain optimistic about the future of those with ADHD.

"It is important for families to know that there are effective treatments for this condition. It is often an enormous relief for the patient and their family to know that there is a diagnosis and a treatment for their condition. Sadly, people with ADHD are often labeled as lazy," he added.

Prof Fitzgerald made his comments in Forum, the Journal of the Irish College of General Practitioners.