Adults with possible ADHD encouraged to seek diagnosis at govt hospitals

The government encourages adults who suspect they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to get diagnosed at public hospitals.

In a written response, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry expressed hope that Malaysian adults, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment to improve their quality of life.

"For adults seeking diagnosis and treatment for ADHD, government hospitals run by the Health Ministry offer psychiatric services at lower costs.

"However, challenges exist such as a lack of specialists experienced in adult ADHD and access to certain medications," the ministry said in a reply dated March 4.

The response came after Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid asked the ministry what measures it has taken to increase access to ADHD treatments and diagnosis for adults, particularly those in the low-income category.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with behavioural manifestations such as fidgeting, impulsiveness and restlessness.

It is still not completely understood, but studies have found correlations between symptom severity and the availability of proteins involved in dopamine signalling. Dopamine is a signalling molecule in the brain that is commonly associated with feelings of pleasure, reward, satisfaction, and motivation.

Some medical professionals argued that the name ADHD is problematic, suggesting “variable attention stimulus trait” (Vast) instead as they said that those with the condition are neither attention deficit nor hyperactive.

The Health Ministry places ADHD medication under Category A as a controlled medication that cannot be bought without a prescription.

ADHD commonly occurs with other disorders including circadian rhythm disorders that negatively affect sleep quality as well as learning disorders.

Job opportunities and professional support

Syerleena also asked what the ministry does to ensure adults with ADHD have access to inclusive job opportunities and professional support.

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid

The ministry said those with ADHD who have met the Social Welfare Department's requirements for OKU registration can rely on disability support.

Individuals with special needs can also gain fair job opportunities through the ministry's job coach service and disability equality training, it said.

"Overall, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that adults with ADHD are not only given the opportunity to get a job but are also given the support they need to succeed in the work environment.

"Collaboration between relevant ministries and agencies, NGOs and private organisations is hoped to provide the best overall results in providing support services to people with disabilities in our country," it concluded. - Mkini