About ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects attention, impulsivity and activity in children and adults. Diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often by a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or specialised psychologist. Treatment may include psychoeducation, behavioural strategies, support at school or work and, if appropriate, medication.
Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate memory, attention, language and other cognitive functions after brain injury, stroke or in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Getting mental health care in Ethiopia
Public health system · Federal Ministry of Health public health system
St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa is the country's oldest and largest mental health provider, with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The Ministry of Health is expanding mental health services to public hospitals and health centres, but many facilities still do not offer them and access in rural areas is very limited. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Health, Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office. Health professionals are licensed by the Ministry of Health, which runs the national licensing examination for health professions. Ask for the practitioner's Ministry of Health professional licence.
Urgent help in Ethiopia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 991 · Federal Police
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: moh.gov.et, afro.who.int, ethiopianbusinessreview.net, moh.gov.et
Signs to look out for
Everyone gets distracted at times. ADHD may be worth assessing when difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness have been present since childhood, appear in different settings such as school, work and home, and cause real problems: unfinished tasks, frequent lost items, forgetting appointments, acting without thinking, or feeling constantly restless. In adults it is often unrecognised for years.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Diagnosis requires a careful assessment by a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist or paediatrician, depending on age and country. Treatment may combine psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for organisation and emotional regulation, parent training for children, school adaptations, and medication prescribed and monitored by a doctor when appropriate. Educational psychologists and psychopedagogues support learning.
When to seek urgent help
ADHD itself is not an emergency, but impulsivity can increase risks. Contact your local emergency services after a serious accident or injury, or if someone has thoughts of suicide or harming others. Seek prompt medical advice for any worrying side effects of medication, such as chest pain or palpitations, and do not change medication without talking to the prescribing doctor.
What you can do in the meantime
External structure helps: use calendars, alarms, lists and visible reminders, and break tasks into small steps with short breaks. Regular sleep, physical activity and meals support attention. Reduce distractions in your work or study space. For children, clear routines, specific praise and calm, consistent limits help. Look for reliable information from health organisations rather than social media alone.
What does a neuropsychologist do?
A neuropsychologist studies how the brain relates to thinking and behaviour. Day to day they carry out detailed assessments of memory, attention, language, planning and other cognitive functions using standardised tests, write reports, and design rehabilitation or stimulation programmes. They work with people after a stroke or brain injury, with neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental conditions, and with their families and medical teams.
When to see a neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist can help when there are noticeable changes in memory, concentration, language or behaviour, after a head injury or stroke, with concerns about cognitive decline, or to clarify learning or attention difficulties. They are also useful to plan rehabilitation and adapt daily life. If the concern is mainly emotional, a psychologist may fit better; medical causes need a neurologist.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Ethiopia cover psychological care?
St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa is the country's oldest and largest mental health provider, with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The Ministry of Health is expanding mental health services to public hospitals and health centres, but many facilities still do not offer them and access in rural areas is very limited.
How do I check that a neuropsychologist is licensed in Ethiopia?
Ministry of Health, Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office: Health professionals are licensed by the Ministry of Health, which runs the national licensing examination for health professions. Ask for the practitioner's Ministry of Health professional licence.