What Happens before I’m referred to adults?
As we grow our brains continue to develop. This means that the symptoms that prompted an ADHD diagnosis as a child can become less severe when we get to adulthood. This means that some young people no longer experience a need for medication and no longer get any benefit from medication.
Your paediatrician will consider referring you to adult services when you turn 18. Before referring you to adults your paediatrician will decide whether you need to be referred. They will discuss with you the effects of your medication and will arrange a Qb test to assess ADHD traits and response to medication. This preparation for transition to adults should start to happen after you reach 16.
Your paediatrician will discuss with you the results of your Qb and the options.
If you don’t require medication any more you may no longer need to attend frequent reviews and may not need referred to adult services.
You will be referred to adults if you still meet criteria for medication and if you are on a dose of medication that works for you and does not cause you any intolerable side effects.
Adults: What to expect
Adult ADHD services are run by the Mental Health team. They are based at the Agape Centre on the Lisburn Road or at Holywood Arches on the Upper Newtownards Road.
Agape Centre
236-266 Lisburn Rd,
Belfast,
BT9 6GF
On arrival, press buzzer for mental health team then enter and head to the left beside reception for the lift and ascend to the Second floor waiting corridor.
Parking at the Agape Centre – there is on street parking only around this centre however it is also accessible by bus.
Holywood Arches
1 Westminster Ave N,
Belfast,
BT4 1NS
On arrival ascend to 2nd floor in yellow lifts and turn left to find the waiting area labelled Harland Medical Practice Waiting Room 2.
Parking at Holywood Arches – There is a carpark at Arches site, but it can get very full. Alternative parking can be found at Ravenscroft Carpark, Parkgate Carpark and Grampian Avenue Car park. There is also excellent public transport connections with Glider and bus networks.
What to Expect at your appointment:
Similar to paediatrics, the adult team will check your weight and blood pressure at every appointment. If you have recently weighed yourself or measured your own blood pressure you should bring this information with you. The doctor will discuss how your medication is going and any side effects you may be experiencing. They may also ask some more adult-type questions, such as about your relationships, interactions with colleagues, career, finances, alcohol, drugs, smoking and about any interactions with the law.
Please ensure your phone number is updated on the adult records – you don’t want them calling your family!
To contact the Adult ADHD Team:
Contact RVH Switchboard at 02890 240503
and ask for ‘MENTAL HEALTH ADHD TEAM.
Lines open Mon-Fri 0900-1400