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ADHD Diagnoses Rise Significantly Among Children in Northern Germany
🇩🇪 Germany /Health & Science

ADHD Diagnoses Rise Significantly Among Children in Northern Germany

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • New ADHD diagnoses among children and adolescents in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, surged by 24 percent in 2024, affecting about 7,200 individuals.
  • Boys are more than twice as likely to receive an initial ADHD diagnosis compared to girls, although diagnoses for girls increased at a higher rate (32 percent) than for boys (21 percent).
  • Experts stress the importance of early diagnosis and coordinated care to prevent long-term problems such as substance abuse, academic failure, and social difficulties.

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, has seen a significant increase in new Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses among its young population. In 2024, the number of children and adolescents receiving an initial ADHD diagnosis rose by approximately 24 percent compared to the previous year, according to data from the health insurance provider DAK-Gesundheit. This trend means that around 7,200 young people in the state were newly diagnosed with the condition.

The data highlights a notable gender disparity, with boys being more than twice as likely to receive an initial ADHD diagnosis than girls. However, the rate of increase in new diagnoses was higher among girls, showing a 32 percent rise compared to a 21 percent increase for boys. ADHD is understood as a multifactorial disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

We need a well-coordinated interplay of everyone who accompanies and cares for children.

— Cord-Eric LubinskiThe head of DAK in Schleswig-Holstein calls for improved coordination in child healthcare.

Currently, 4.9 percent of children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 in Schleswig-Holstein are receiving medical care for ADHD, according to the DAK analysis. Cord-Eric Lubinski, head of DAK in the state, called for better coordination among all parties involved in supporting children. "We need a well-coordinated interplay of everyone who accompanies and cares for children," he stated, emphasizing that this collaboration is crucial for early stabilization and targeted support before challenges become entrenched.

Manuel Munz, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry and chief physician at the Center for Integrative Psychiatry in Kiel, underscored the critical importance of early diagnosis. He warned that untreated ADHD can lead to significant long-term issues, including substance abuse, behavioral disorders, academic failure, and difficulties in social relationships. Munz specifically noted that ADHD in girls can often go undetected for longer periods, potentially masking itself behind other psychological symptoms like eating disorders, anxiety, or obsessive behaviors.

Just with girls, ADHD can remain unrecognized for a long time and hide behind other psychological symptoms and coping strategies.

— Manuel MunzA specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry explains the challenges in diagnosing ADHD, particularly in girls.
About this summary

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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