Finland shows stark regional gaps in ADHD medication for young boys
Kela reports that ADHD drug use among 6-8-year-old boys varies widely across Finnish regions, with the north using the medication far more often than the capital.
Kela’s latest figures show pronounced regional disparities in ADHD drug prescriptions for boys aged six to eight, with northern provinces like Pohjois-Karjala and Pohjois-Savo prescribing the medication at rates many times those seen in Helsinki and the western region of Pohjanmaa. Initiation of new treatments followed a similar pattern, as the north reported higher percentages of first-time users compared with the capital area.
Across Finland, the overall proportion of boys beginning ADHD medication rose to just over three percent last year, a modest increase from the previous year’s figure. Since 2017, the share of new users has more than doubled, reflecting a growing trend. In total, 4,160 boys received ADHD medication, with roughly half starting treatment in the most recent year and the remainder having begun earlier. Kela notes that the reasons behind these regional gaps remain unclear and call for further research into service availability, care pathways, professional access, and non-pharmacological support.
Why it matters
Understanding regional differences in ADHD treatment helps policymakers address equity and resource allocation in child health services.
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