Experts raise concerns over ADHD diagnosis practices in Iceland

Experts are raising concerns that independent practitioners in Iceland are inadequately diagnosing ADHD due to a lack of adherence to clinical guidelines. According to a recent study published in a medical journal, Icelanders use ADHD medication over thirteen times more than Norwegians and three times more than Swedes, suggesting potential overdiagnosis of the condition in the country.

Gyða Sigurlaug Haraldsdóttir, a psychologist and vice chairperson of the ADHD Association, highlighted that if ADHD is indeed overdiagnosed, it indicates a failure to follow established clinical guidelines. “The main issue seems to be that it is clearly stated in the guidelines that this should be team work,” Gyða pointed out, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative assessments in diagnosing ADHD.

The study reveals that most treatment for adults diagnosed with ADHD is initiated by independent psychiatrists working alone, with only about ten percent of adults receiving treatment referred to a dedicated ADHD team within primary healthcare. Furthermore, roughly fifteen percent of children and adolescents were reported to have used ADHD medications last year, raising questions about the accuracy of these diagnoses.

Gyða argues that health authorities should monitor such trends, questioning whether the chief medical officer should take responsibility for oversight. She suggests that the insurance provider, which contracts physicians, could also bear this responsibility to ensure professional standards are upheld in the services they fund.

The Minister of Health has announced that a green paper concerning ADHD medication use is nearing completion, with Gyða involved in the task force. She expressed concerns about the quality of ADHD diagnostics and emphasized that managing ADHD effectively requires more than medication, including access to psychological therapy, which is currently underfunded and scarce.