2024-07-22 16:33:00
2.1 percent of all Belgian children between the ages of six and 17 are taking medications for ADHD. Among the most well-known medications are Ritalin (also known as Rilatine) and Concerta. This percentage has remained relatively stable; since 2014, consumption has not increased.
This figure represents the national average. However, as a new study from the health insurance companies indicates, it varies significantly from region to region. In Flanders, 2.9 percent of children and adolescents are prescribed ADHD medications. In Wallonia, the figure is only 1.1 percent, and in the Brussels-Capital Region, it is just 0.7 percent.
In other words, Flemish children take Ritalin and other similar medications almost three times more frequently than their Walloon and Brussels counterparts. This finding raises several questions.
Based on analyses, it is estimated that about five percent of children and adolescents meet the criteria for ADHD, said child and adolescent psychiatrist Karen Vertessen from the University Hospital Leuven in an interview with VRT. Statistically and globally, this means that one in every 20 children has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“Of course, not every case of ADHD is recognized, and not every child diagnosed with it is immediately given medication,” Vertessen explained. But overall, she believes it is realistic and acceptable that three percent of Flemish children receive Ritalin, Concerta, or another medication.
ADHD Underdiagnosed
Vertessen identifies the problem in other parts of the country. For instance, in Brussels, the number of children receiving ADHD medications is well below what would be expected. This might indicate that the treatment of ADHD children is neglected in the capital region, leading to fewer prescriptions for medications that could positively improve their lives. This is also true for Wallonia, although to a somewhat lesser extent.
This interpretation is supported by child psychiatrist Christine Canseliet from the Saint-Pierre Hospital in Ottignies. She is not alone; other experts in the newspaper De Standaard voice similar opinions. In her view, ADHD is still underdiagnosed in Wallonia, as Canseliet stated in an interview with RTBF.
The Flemish healthcare system is often better organized than its counterparts in the southern part of the country. This leads to earlier and more accurate identification of ADHD, according to Canseliet, who notes that children often end up in her practice only after all other options have been exhausted—when parents and schools can no longer cope, and the children are at risk of being expelled from the regular school system.
In the Francophone system, there is a regrettable tendency to thoroughly seek possible causes in the child’s environment first, Canseliet added. This can unnecessarily delay the correct treatment if it is indeed ADHD. And this does no one any favors—neither the children, nor the parents, nor the schools.
Neurologist Philippe Violon, specializing in adult ADHD, even refers to “lost years” in De Standaard. He also emphasizes how crucial early and accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, pharmacological treatment can be. This can help ADHD patients manage everyday life more easily and thus significantly simplify their lives.
Boris Schmidt
Future Trends in ADHD Medication Usage Among Belgian Children
Recent studies reveal that 2.1% of Belgian children aged between six and 17 are prescribed medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with Ritalin and Concerta being the most commonly used. While this percentage has remained stable since 2014, a closer examination uncovers significant regional disparities. In Flanders, the percentage rises to 2.9%, contrasted starkly by just 1.1% in Wallonia and 0.7% in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Regional Discrepancies Point to Growing Awareness
This pronounced difference raises questions about the accessibility and recognition of ADHD across regions. Mental health professionals suggest that while it’s estimated that around 5% of children meet the criteria for ADHD, a significant number are either undiagnosed or lacking adequate treatment. Experts like pediatric psychiatrist Karen Vertessen stress that it is realistic for 3% of Fl Flemish children to be on medication, highlighting that this shows a more proactive approach in addressing ADHD compared to their Walloon counterparts.
Underdiagnosis: A Call for Improved Healthcare Structures
The underdiagnosis of ADHD in Wallonia and Brussels may indicate systemic issues in the healthcare framework. According to Christine Canseliet, another pediatric psychiatrist, the disorganized nature of healthcare in these regions often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. As parents and schools exhaust other options, children may face unnecessary hurdles before receiving crucial care, impacting their academic and personal lives.
The Role of Early and Accurate Diagnosis
Neurology specialist Philippe Violon emphasizes the need for early and accurate diagnosis, as intervening promptly can simplify the daily functioning for individuals with ADHD. This trend towards prioritizing timely interventions could reshape future healthcare approaches, with a potential increase in treatment accessibility and a shift towards a more cohesive, integrated healthcare system across all regions of Belgium.
As awareness grows about the importance of proper ADHD diagnosis and management, healthcare policies may evolve, leading to a more equitable distribution of treatment resources. The potential for future collaboration between regions could be pivotal in addressing the existing gaps in ADHD care and ensuring that all children, regardless of their location, receive the support they need.