Diagnosis & Ireland
Getting assessed for ADHD in Ireland
Public vs private pathways, what assessment costs, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Getting an adult ADHD assessment in Ireland in 2026 is doable, but the system is uneven. The public pathway is free at the point of access but slow. The private route is faster but costs money. Most adults end up using a mix of both.
Steady doesn't run assessments — we're coaching, not clinical care. But we sit alongside a lot of people in this process, and the questions repeat. Here's a plain map.
If you're in distress and need urgent support, contact your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123. Assessment is not the right path during a crisis.
The public pathway (HSE)
- Start with your GP. Ask for a referral to your local Adult Mental Health Service or specialist ADHD clinic.
- Waiting lists vary by CHO area — typically 12–24 months in 2026.
- Free at the point of access. Includes follow-up and shared-care options.
- Best for: cost-constrained, time-flexible, complex co-occurring issues.
The private pathway
- Self-refer or via GP to a consultant psychiatrist who assesses adult ADHD.
- Typical timeline: 4–16 weeks. Cost: usually €600–€1,500 for full assessment.
- Some psychiatrists arrange shared care with your GP for prescriptions.
- Check the Medical Council register before booking.
How to prepare
- Write a one-page life story: school, work, relationships, money, sleep.
- Bring examples — concrete scenes, not just adjectives.
- Ask a parent or sibling about your childhood if you can.
- Bring any old school reports.
After the appointment
- Diagnosis: discuss treatment options — medication, therapy, coaching.
- No diagnosis: ask what was ruled in or out. Get the report.
- Either way: it's data, not a verdict on who you are.
Your next-week action plan
Turn this guide into one workable week.
Tick the steps you'll try this week. Your progress is saved on this device. Download a clean printable copy to stick on the fridge or share with your coach.
Frequently asked
Continue reading
What adult ADHD actually is (and isn't)
A plain-English overview of adult ADHD: how it shows up, what the research says, and what it doesn't mean.
ADHD medication in Ireland: a beginner's overview
Stimulants vs non-stimulants, how prescribing works in Ireland, and the questions worth asking.
ADHD at work: a practical playbook
Disclosure, accommodations under Irish law, and the small habits that protect a working week.
ADHD and money: friction, not failure
Why money is hard with ADHD, and the small structural changes that quietly fix most of it.
Try Steady
Practical adult ADHD support, designed for Ireland.
Coaching, daily tools, and a calm operating system for your week. Non-diagnostic. Free to start. Full access €9.99/month — less than two cups of coffee.
Steady provides coaching, tools and educational support. It does not diagnose ADHD or replace medical care. If you need assessment, medication advice or urgent mental health support, contact your GP, HSE services or, in an emergency, 112/999.