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.
Occupational therapists help people gain or recover independence in daily activities after an illness, injury or developmental difficulty: self-care, school, work and leisure. They often work with children with autism or sensory needs and with older adults.
Getting mental health care in Malawi
Public health system · Ministry of Health - Zomba Mental Hospital and district hospitals
Zomba Mental Hospital is Malawi's only government tertiary psychiatric referral hospital, and its team supervises mental health activities in the districts. In Lilongwe the Ministry of Health refers patients to St John of God Hospital under a service agreement. Services are underfunded and short of specialist staff.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Council of Malawi. Under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act 1987 the Council registers and disciplines medical practitioners, including psychiatrists, and licenses private practice. Ask for the doctor's Medical Council registration.
Urgent help in Malawi
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 998 · Ambulance
- 0999 399 765 · Lifeline Malawi (ANPPCAN Malawi Chapter)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ipsnews.net, nyasatimes.com, malawilii.org, mwnation.com
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 occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from washing and dressing to studying, working, socialising or managing a home. Day to day they assess how a physical, mental health, developmental or cognitive condition affects daily life, then work on skills, routines, adaptations and equipment. They see children, adults and older people, often within multidisciplinary teams.
When to see a occupational therapist
Consider an occupational therapist when daily tasks have become difficult after an illness, injury or stroke, when a mental health condition makes routines and work hard to sustain, when a child has sensory, motor or self-care difficulties, or when an older person needs support to stay independent at home. For emotional therapy itself, a psychologist is usually the main professional.
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 Malawi cover psychological care?
Zomba Mental Hospital is Malawi's only government tertiary psychiatric referral hospital, and its team supervises mental health activities in the districts. In Lilongwe the Ministry of Health refers patients to St John of God Hospital under a service agreement. Services are underfunded and short of specialist staff.
How do I check that a occupational therapist is licensed in Malawi?
Medical Council of Malawi: Under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act 1987 the Council registers and disciplines medical practitioners, including psychiatrists, and licenses private practice. Ask for the doctor's Medical Council registration.