A new study reveals dramatic geographic differences in ADHD diagnosis rates across Denmark. For every child diagnosed with ADHD in Odense, five children receive the same diagnosis in Struer. This striking variation highlights potential inconsistencies in Denmark's healthcare system.
Professor Anton PottegÄrd from the University of Southern Denmark, one of the researchers behind the study, expressed concern about the findings. He stated that the wide disparities create uncertainty for families seeking help. Parents experience completely different treatment approaches depending on their municipality, he explained.
The research shows no evidence that children in Odense differ from those elsewhere in terms of education or economic background. The number of psychiatrists also appears consistent across regions. PottegÄrd dismissed environmental factors, suggesting instead that local medical traditions likely drive the differences.
Regional patterns show Northern Jutland has the highest diagnosis rates, while Southern Denmark, particularly Funen and Odense, records the lowest numbers. This discrepancy troubles healthcare advocates and families alike.
Camilla Ganzhorn, director of the ADHD Association, reported that one-third of calls to their counseling service come from Southern Denmark. Most calls from Funen involve frustrated parents struggling to access services. These parents feel suspected and describe fighting to be seen and obtain necessary diagnoses, she said.
Marianne Skjold, director of the Psychiatry Foundation, questioned why such variations would be acceptable for mental health when they would be unacceptable for physical conditions like cancer or heart disease. She called for political and medical leaders to address the problem, especially in areas where fewer children receive help.
Regional healthcare officials acknowledge the issue. Chief physician Maja Sidelmann Basnov noted multiple possible explanations for the disparities. Southern Denmark has implemented new professional standards for ADHD assessment since September. Staff now evaluate patients in larger, diagnostically broad teams.
Region Southern Denmark Chairman Bo Libergren admitted the current situation appears unlikely to reflect actual prevalence differences. Within the region itself, Aabenraa diagnoses four times as many young people with ADHD as Odense does. He emphasized working toward more consistent assessment standards across locations.
Political representative Mette With Hagensen from the Social Democrats expressed skepticism about the numbers. She doubts fewer children on Funen actually have ADHD and pledges to investigate the causes behind the diagnostic differences. Parents should expect roughly the same treatment regardless of their location within the region, she stated.
The Danish healthcare system's regional structure may contribute to these variations. Unlike centralized systems, Denmark's healthcare operates through five regional administrations, potentially leading to different approaches and priorities. This structure, while allowing local adaptation, can create inconsistencies in diagnostic practices and treatment accessibility.
For international readers, this situation reflects broader challenges in mental healthcare access across developed nations. The Danish case demonstrates how even well-funded universal healthcare systems can struggle with equitable service distribution. The ongoing reforms in Southern Denmark will be closely watched as potential models for addressing similar disparities elsewhere.