Bavaria sees sharp rise in ADHD diagnoses among youth

New data from the DAK Bayern health insurance provider's child and youth report shows a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses among children and adolescents in Bavaria. In 2024, approximately 1.8 percent of young people received a first-time diagnosis, representing a 17 percent increase within a single year. Overall, 5.8 percent of those aged 3 to 17 are receiving medical care for ADHD.

The report highlights a notable gender disparity in the region. Boys received first-time diagnoses nearly twice as often as girls. Furthermore, new diagnoses among boys rose by approximately 20 percent, outpacing the 13 percent increase seen in girls. This trend contradicts national German statistics, which typically show higher rates of new diagnoses in girls.

Medical experts, including Inga Schumann from the Kirinus Day Clinic for Children and Adolescents, noted that the reason for this divergence is unclear. However, the findings suggest a need to better identify ADHD symptoms in girls, who may present with a “quieter” variant that is more easily overlooked and are currently treated with medication less frequently than boys.