Iceland shows significant rise in ADHD medication usage compared to Norway and Sweden

Icelanders are using ADHD medication significantly more than their Nordic neighbors, with usage levels exceeding thirteen times that of Norwegians and three times that of Swedes. A recent study suggests that ADHD is likely overdiagnosed in Iceland.

The study indicates that nearly 15% of children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 used ADHD medications last year, with 17.7% of boys and 11.6% of girls in that age group being treated. Among teenagers aged 12 to 17, the figures rose to 17.6%, with 20.1% of boys and 14.6% of girls receiving medication. In the older demographic of 18 to 44 years, 10.2% were on ADHD medications, 9.4% of whom were men and 11% women.

Dr. Oddur Ingimarsson, a psychiatrist at Landspítalinn and an instructor at the University of Iceland, highlights that the Icelandic usage of ADHD drugs is two to three times higher than expected. He noted an alarming rate among 18-year-old boys, where 29% are reported to have used ADHD medication.

The study further reveals that for the age group 10-44, the use of ADHD medication by Icelanders is over three times higher than that of Swedes and more than thirteen times higher than that of Norwegians.

Despite these high numbers, Dr. Ingimarsson argues that these figures likely underestimate the actual prevalence of ADHD, as numerous individuals diagnosed with ADHD may choose not to take medication or might be waiting for treatment. The findings, when compared to robust international studies, strongly indicate that ADHD is likely significantly overdiagnosed in Iceland. Dr. Ingimarsson calls for ADHD assessments to be conducted primarily by specialized mental health teams.