In Poland, the number of individuals being treated for ADHD has surged to approximately 64,000, according to data from the National Health Fund (NFZ). Over the last 14 years, this figure has doubled, increasing from 32,000 in 2010, with adult diagnoses rising sharply from just 1,443 to an expected 11,000 by 2024. This notable increase highlights a growing awareness and recognition of ADHD in the country, but it also raises questions about the competencies involved in the diagnostic process.

Experts are alarmed by the absence of officially recognized and universally accepted diagnostic standards for ADHD among adults, which appears to lead to considerable variability in how diagnoses are conducted. Dr. Filip Stramecki, a medical manager at the Milickie Mental Health Center, expressed concerns that many diagnoses are being made in just a few minutes during visits, often without comprehensive developmental and clinical interviews. Reliance is also placed on computer-based attention tests that are not sufficient as standalone diagnostic tools, further complicating the accuracy of the assessments.

The lack of standardized guidelines not only threatens the quality of ADHD diagnoses and treatments in Poland but could also lead to misdiagnoses or improper treatment plans for patients. As ADHD recognition continues to grow, it is increasingly imperative for health authorities to establish clear, evidence-based diagnostic standards to ensure that individuals diagnosed with ADHD receive the appropriate care they need. Without such measures, the potential for inconsistencies and complications in patient care will remain a critical issue in Polish healthcare.