ADHD Diagnoses Rise Among Children and Teenagers in Rhineland-Palatinate

Around 11,700 children and teenagers in Rhineland-Palatinate received a first diagnosis of ADHD in 2024, 18% more than the previous year, according to DAK-Gesundheit’s latest report on children and young people.

Boys accounted for about 7,600 of the new diagnoses, compared with roughly 4,000 among girls. But diagnoses among girls increased by 33% year on year, compared with an 11% rise among boys. The increase affected all age groups, with children aged five to nine most frequently affected.

“

We need a well-coordinated interaction among everyone who accompanies and cares for children. Only in this way can they be stabilized early and supported in a targeted manner before difficulties become entrenched.

Overall, 6.4% of children and teenagers aged three to 17 in the state were receiving medical care for an ADHD diagnosis. That amounts to around 37,400 young people. DAK state chief Rainer Lange called for closer coordination among everyone involved in supporting and treating children, including schools, so they can receive help before difficulties become entrenched.

“

Girls were very likely underdiagnosed for a long time.

Pediatrician Anke Wenzel said girls had probably been underdiagnosed for a long time. ADHD, she said, is not only a condition affecting boys and is often overlooked or recognized late in girls. Christoph U. Correll of Berlin’s Charité said increased pressure and stress could be one reason for the rise in diagnoses. He also pointed to possible effects of the pandemic and the growing negative influence of social media.

The analysis examined billing data for about 48,200 DAK-insured children and teenagers up to age 17 in Rhineland-Palatinate.

“

We are probably also observing some long-term effects of the pandemic, because important learning steps may have been interrupted or delayed.