More people are being diagnosed with ADHD: Experts believe it is a positive development
The number of Norwegians receiving an ADHD diagnosis has increased significantly in recent times. Many are questioning whether this is due to over-diagnosis in society, but professionals now believe that the figures reflect a real need that was not previously captured.
An important reason for the increase is that the healthcare system has become better at identifying symptoms in groups that were often overlooked in the past. In particular, there has been under-diagnosis among girls. Previously, ADHD was often associated with acting-out behavior in boys, while girls with ADHD have more often had symptoms that are less visible to the outside world.
Better knowledge and more precise diagnostic methods mean that more people are now getting the help they need. Experts point out that there is a fine line between personality traits and an actual diagnosis, but that the increase in the number of diagnoses is a sign that the health service is functioning better than before.
Although the debate about diagnoses continues, there is broad consensus that it is important to distinguish between normal fluctuations in everyday life and symptoms that require medical follow-up. The goal of the new routines is to ensure that those who are truly struggling receive the right support in time.