How to Get ADHD Tested in Hong Kong

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition found in children that often goes untreated. According to a 2018 study, ADHD affects 6.4% of children and adolescents in Hong Kong^[1]. This condition can have long-term effects on children and adolescents and it can become more difficult to manage as they get older.

Although ADHD typically appears in early childhood, the effects of the condition can last a long time and it affects many adults too. The 2018 study estimated that ADHD was present in 2.5% of adults in Hong Kong^[2].

In Hong Kong, there is a healthy awareness of ADHD with ample support between the public and private healthcare sectors. If you are concerned for yourself or your child and would like to get tested for ADHD, here’s a guide on the testing process in Hong Kong.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

While only those who have been tested for ADHD by a specialist can be given an ADHD diagnosis, you can start by carrying out a self-assessment test. If your self-assessment indicates that there are symptoms of ADHD, you might want to consider visiting a professional for a clinical diagnosis. 

Self-assessment resources:

• Hong Kong Association for AD/HD preliminary assessment for children (in Chinese only) here.
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association online assessment here.

Delayed intervention in children, especially when they are over the age of ten, can make the process tricky because the adverse effects of ADHD may have begun to take full effect. Some of these effects include anxiety and low self-esteem. The most common criteria to look for in both adults and children to determine whether they should be evaluated for ADHD are:

• Inability to focus on things that are not of interest
• Scant attention to detail
• Easily irritable
• Show signs of hyperactivity

A standard evaluation process involves referencing a specific ADHD symptom checklist^[3]. This checklist includes questions about behavioural patterns, past and present information from both the patient and their family.

In the case of children, a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or educational psychologist will assess for ADHD. These practitioners will have earned a psychology or a medical degree and have received training in ADHD.

Where can I get an ADHD diagnosis in Hong Kong? 

When it comes to getting assessed for ADHD in Hong Kong, you’ll want to ensure that you conduct thorough research to ensure that you are getting the treatment that caters to your needs.

Finding a specialist

The first step is to find a qualified specialist to get an ADHD evaluation. There are many qualified specialists and clinics in Hong Kong that can help with an ADHD consultation and assessment. This includes specialists both in the public and private systems. Whichever you chose, the cost of a consultation can vary greatly depending on location, facilities and specialist availability. 

You’ll want to consider the costs of consultation and treatment, language of your healthcare professional, and whether your health insurance will cover the costs. Some specialists or clinics charge higher prices and there is a chance your insurance may not cover ADHD treatments.

For children under the age of 5, the Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHC) in Hong Kong provide a range of educational services to parents, including developmental surveillance help^[4]. If a child is suspected to have developmental problems by a MCHC doctor, they will be referred to the Child Assessment Service for further assessment with a team of paediatricians, nurses, psychologists and therapists.

Preparing for an appointment

You will want to feel as comfortable as possible with your specialist, since the assessment may include clinical tests, interviews, and behavioural observations that can take a while. 

If the appointment is for your child, you should be prepared to give all the required details about them to your specialist. This is mostly because children may not remember everything about themselves, and they are very likely to be shy or quiet during the evaluation. It will also help your specialist get a better understanding of the situation.

You have to make sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have and your stance on medication as treatment for ADHD can consist of taking medication. You should also discuss follow up and some alternatives to the prescribed medication if you are in doubt.

Conclusion

Getting assessed for ADHD in Hong Kong is not difficult at all. Many specialists in the city can carry out tests for you and your family members. The most important thing is to get assessed as soon as possible once you become aware of any worrying ADHD symptoms. Earlier intervention is likely to be more effective, regardless if you are a child or an adult.

Help at OT&P MindWorX

At MindWorX, we have a team of qualified psychologists who can help you better understand ADHD, its symptoms, and treatment options. Book a consultation to discuss your situation and find out whether you or your child need to get tested for ADHD.

References

1. HKU finds ADHD drug use increase in Hong Kong and 13 different countries. Research findings. (2018). Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.med.hku.hk/news/press/ADHD_drug_use_increase_in_Hong_Kong_and_13_different_countries
2. HKU finds ADHD drug use increase in Hong Kong and 13 different countries. (2018). Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.med.hku.hk/news/press/ADHD_drug_use_increase_in_Hong_Kong_and_13_different_countries
3. Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults. (2019). Retrieved 2020, from https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Diagnosis-of-ADHD-in-Adults-9.pdf
4. Press Release: LCQ15: Support for children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/27/P2018062700563.htm