ADHD Diagnoses in German Children Increased in 2024

First-time diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in German children and adolescents increased by 16% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data from the health insurer DAK-Gesundheit. The analysis, which covered children up to age 17, indicates that around 202,000 young people received an initial ADHD diagnosis nationwide.

Boys were diagnosed twice as often as girls. The increase in new diagnoses was 21% for girls, compared to just over 14% for boys. The rise affected all age groups but was especially significant among school children aged 10 to 14, with a 22% increase.

Primary school children received the most initial ADHD diagnoses. The main symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention can manifest as being easily distracted or showing less persistence in tasks, while hyperactivity is characterized by an pronounced urge to move. The classification system categorizes ADHD as a developmental disorder, though it can also occur in adults, with symptoms typically beginning in early to middle childhood.