The Number of ADHD Patients Has Tripled, with Teenagers Accounting for the Most at 94,000

Medical costs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in South Korea have risen by more than 300% over the past four years.
According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) on the 5th, domestic ADHD treatment costs totaled 190.9 billion won last year, up 314% from 46.1 billion won in 2020. Along with the increase in treatment costs, the number of ADHD patients rose 3.3-fold over the same period, from 79,248 to 260,251.
As of 2024, teenagers accounted for the largest number of patients at 94,233, followed by people in their 20s at 68,816 and children aged 9 or younger at 56,048.
ADHD is one of the most common conditions in child psychiatry. It typically involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and usually begins before age 7.
This childhood-onset disorder can have a serious impact on academic performance and social interaction.
According to Asan Medical Center, the prevalence of ADHD among school-age children and adolescents worldwide is estimated at about 3% to 8%. In South Korea, about 5% of elementary school students show ADHD symptoms.
Possible causes of ADHD include an imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate attention in the brain, as well as structural and functional changes in brain regions that control attention and behavior. In particular, an imbalance in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine is closely linked to ADHD symptoms.
When these neurotransmitters do not function properly, children may show poor concentration, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. If a child appears distracted, impatient and prone to acting before thinking, ADHD may be a possibility.
Symptoms are generally more noticeable in settings that require discipline and stillness, such as kindergarten or school during class.
In particular, ADHD does not simply go away with age, and it may be accompanied by other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or oppositional defiant disorder. About half of ADHD patients are known to continue experiencing symptoms into adulthood.
An Asan Medical Center official explained, "Medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD, and about 80% of patients show clear improvement." The official added, "Children with ADHD often hear negative remarks such as scolding or criticism because of their impulsive and inattentive behavior, and in such cases, their self-confidence can decline."
wonder@fnnews.com Jung Sang-hee Reporter