Norwegian Institute of Public Health: Significant rise in ADHD and autism diagnoses
Figures from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health show a significant increase in ADHD and autism diagnoses among children and adolescents from 2010 to 2022. This upward trend continued into 2023 and 2024.
Historically, ADHD and autism have often been perceived as 'boy diagnoses,' leading to underdiagnosis in girls.(Photo: Lise Åserud)
NTB.Norwegian News Agency
Published
A new report from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) presents analyses of how autism and ADHD diagnoses have developed over time across different age groups, as well as variations based on parental income, country of origin, and county of residence.
For both diagnosis groups, there has been an increase since 2010. According to NIPH, the analyses suggests a continuing upward trend in the prevalence of ADHD and autism diagnoses.
A particularly steep rise has been observed among girls aged 13–17 and 18–30 since 2020. In that year alone, the number of new ADHD diagnoses was nearly triple that of 2010, while autism diagnoses were nearly five times higher.
"This coincides with the Covid-19 pandemic," says Heidi Aase, psychologist and department director at NIPH.
Annonse
She attributes this increase largely to improved knowledge and awareness of how ADHD and autism manifest in girls.
"For instance, girls' ADHD symptoms are often less visible and are more associated with attention and concentration issues than hyperactivity. Greater understanding of gender differences in how these conditions present has led to more diagnoses in girls," says Aase.
Report on young people's mental health
NIPH notes that the factors behind the rise in diagnoses are still not fully understood. There is a need for deeper insight into the causes, as well as better preparedness and access to support for those affected.
The background is a significant rise in mental health problems, functional challenges, and diagnoses among children and young people. There is much debate and a great need for updated knowledge. NIPH aims to highlight selected and particularly relevant issues on the topic.
