In Finland, recent statistics from Kela indicate that the usage of ADHD medications among primary school-aged boys has increased markedly in recent years. As of 2025, approximately 11% of boys and 3.8% of girls in this age group are reportedly using ADHD medications. This represents a substantial increase, with the initiation of treatment among boys having quintupled by 2024 compared to previous years. The report highlights a concerning trend in the rising number of boys prescribed these medications, sparking discussions about childhood mental health and treatment practices.

Moreover, the growth in medication usage is not limited to boys; there has also been a notable increase among teenage girls and young women. Between the years 2017 and 2023, the number of teenage girls starting ADHD medication has multiplied, raising awareness about gender differences in diagnosis and treatment. Interestingly, while ADHD is diagnosed significantly later in girls compared to boys, the statistics now reflect that the proportion of teenage girls using these medications is no longer low, according to Heini Kari, head of research at Kela.

The findings from Kela emphasize the need for continued examination of ADHD symptoms and treatment approaches, particularly considering the disparities in the way symptoms manifest in boys versus girls. This may lead to further developments in healthcare strategies to ensure timely diagnosis and effective management of ADHD across genders, particularly for those young people who may have been previously overlooked or misdiagnosed due to these behavioral differences. The implications of these rising figures suggest a growing recognition of ADHD and its treatment in Finland, but they also raise questions about accessibility and the societal factors contributing to these trends.