Frequently asked questions

A common condition that makes it harder to control attention, energy and impulses. Worldwide, about 6 in every 100 children and young people, and 2 to 3 in every 100 adults, have it.¹ What is ADHD?

It is a real, recognised medical condition. The World Health Organization lists it, and many years of research confirm it.^2,1 It is not caused by bad parenting.¹ Experts also warn that some children are diagnosed when they should not be, and others are missed, so a careful assessment matters.³

Being very easily distracted, forgetting everyday tasks, finding it hard to sit still or wait, and acting without thinking. Signs usually start before age 12.⁴ Could my child have ADHD?

Yes. Many children with ADHD still have it as adults. In adults it often shows as forgetfulness, poor time management, restlessness and acting on impulse.⁵ ADHD in adults

A specialist, usually a psychiatrist, or for children a child psychiatrist. Start with your family doctor or pediatrician. Most specialists work in Tbilisi.^6,7

No, there is no blood test or scan. A specialist decides after talking with you, asking about development and family life, and hearing from the school.⁶

Bring your full medical records, translated if possible, to a psychiatrist in Georgia, who can review them. In one case, the Ministry of Health reviewed a foreign diagnosis and prescription and accepted that the medicine was needed.⁷

Therapy is expensive and not covered by insurance.⁷ A month's supply of atomoxetine, the only ADHD medicine sold in Georgia, can cost up to about 500 GEL.⁸

Yes, partly. Support at home and school, and talking therapies such as parent training and CBT, help many people. When problems continue, guidelines recommend adding medicine.⁹ How to help at home

Only atomoxetine. It is often out of stock, higher doses are hard to find, and a month's supply can cost up to about 500 GEL.⁸

No company has registered them in Georgia, and Georgian law classes them as narcotic drugs.^8,10 In other countries, the same medicines are strictly controlled but available on prescription. How other countries do it

Not in practice. Because they are not registered, patients say doctors do not prescribe them and pharmacies do not sell them.^8,11

Under a doctor's supervision, they are a standard treatment in many countries. Doctors check blood pressure, heart rate and, in children, growth.⁹ They are controlled because they can be misused. For children, the Council of Europe advises careful use alongside other support.³

According to adhd.ge, stimulant medicines cannot be sent to Georgia by post.⁸ Ordering them could lead to criminal charges.

Yes, up to 31 days' supply. You must declare it at customs and carry certified English copies of your prescription and your doctor's certificate, plus an official document confirming they are genuine.^12,13 Full list of documents

You can face criminal charges. In 2026, a tourist with prescribed Adderall but no prescription was charged with smuggling. He was held in prison until he pleaded guilty and paid a fine of 30,000 GEL.^14,15

Plan before you move. The 31-day rule is for visits, and the medicine may not be available here.^12,8 Talk to your doctor about your options, including medicines sold in Georgia, such as atomoxetine. Check the rules with a Georgian embassy.¹⁶

Yes. The rules apply to everyone entering Georgia, including residents.¹² Even people with documents have been questioned at the border.⁷

Georgian schools have a system for children with special educational needs. If your child qualifies, the school makes an individual learning plan, and you are part of the team.^17,18 Support at school

The volunteer website adhd.ge,⁸ the patient organisation ADHD Georgia, a member of ADHD Europe,¹⁹ and the publisher of this site. About us