ADHD Patients Doubled in 5 Years... "If Neglected, It Persists into Adulthood"

ADHD Graphic [Image Source=Pixabay]

The number of patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has nearly doubled in the past five years. ADHD is a disorder characterized by lack of attention, distractibility, and impulsivity, primarily appearing in childhood but persisting into adulthood if left untreated.

According to the National Health Insurance Service on the 2nd, the number of ADHD patients increased from 53,056 in 2017 to 102,322 in 2021, a 92.9% rise. The average annual growth rate was 17.8%. As of 2021, 72,332 were male and 29,990 were female. By age group, teenagers accounted for the largest share at 41.3%, followed by those under 9 years old (23.8%), people in their 20s (21.6%), and those in their 30s (9.4%).

Regarding the high number of teenage patients, Professor Ahn Jae-eun of the Department of Psychiatry at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital explained, “ADHD is usually diagnosed after children enter elementary school, and treatment often requires several years of therapeutic intervention rather than short-term completion. In early elementary grades, even if ADHD symptoms appear, parents often wait thinking they will improve as the child grows, but many start treatment in higher grades when difficulties in academics or peer relationships become apparent.” ADHD is often accompanied by secondary symptoms such as difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and declines in learning and performance abilities.

The exact cause of ADHD has not been clearly identified. However, the medical community estimates that genetic and environmental factors interact complexly. These factors cause abnormalities in the brain regions and pathways that regulate attention and impulse control, leading to the disorder. Long-term follow-up studies show that if ADHD is not properly treated early, 60% of patients continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.

Per capita medical expenses for ADHD have been on the rise. They increased by about 19.0%, from 710,000 KRW in 2017 to 850,000 KRW in 2021. Total health insurance medical expenses also surged by 129.5%, from 37.9 billion KRW to 87.0 billion KRW during the same period. The average annual growth rate was 23.1%.