HC Deb 09 January 2003 vol 397 c355W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what training is provided within the health and social services system in Northern Ireland in relation to attention deficit hyperactivity for workers with personal contact with sufferers to help inform their practice. [88260]

Mr. Browne

Psychiatrists are educated about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during their general professional training as part of child and adolescent mental health subjects. Child and adolescent psychiatrists, who undergo higher professional training prior to becoming consultants focus on relevant areas such as ADHD in more depth. Postgraduate training, as part of continual professional development, also ensures increased awareness and keeps professionals abreast of developments in this area.

Nurses and social workers can also specialise in child and adolescent psychiatry and in 2001 17 nurses and each year six social workers have received this training.