Rising demand for ADHD diagnoses strains Dutch healthcare system
The demand for ADHD diagnoses is on the rise in the Netherlands, with a noticeable increase among young people and more women seeking tests. This growing trend has placed significant pressure on the already strained mental healthcare system, prompting some healthcare providers to offer online screenings to help expedite the process.
The surge in requests is reportedly largely driven by social media content that discusses symptoms associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity, difficulty managing time, and restlessness. According to the Dutch insurance company CZ, many individuals seeking tests come from student cities, where social media videos suggest that such behaviors might indicate ADHD. General practitioners have also reported seeing an increasing number of patients who believe they have the disorder after viewing these online discussions.
The rising demand for ADHD diagnoses has also led to a significant increase in the number of prescriptions for ADHD medications, especially among women. According to the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Statistics, the number of prescriptions for ADHD medication, such as methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and lisdexamfetamine, has increased substantially over the past five years. Women, in particular, have seen a greater percentage increase in medication prescriptions compared to men.
“The rise in inquiries is largely driven by social media trends, where people are learning about symptoms and associating them with ADHD,” a spokesperson from CZ said. “But this influx is putting additional strain on mental health services, making it harder to distinguish between those who truly need treatment and those who are seeking confirmation of a self-diagnosis.”
The demand for ADHD testing has led to lengthy waiting times for patients. According to ADHDcentraal, a Dutch expert organization, waiting times for ADHD tests, after being referred by a general practitioner, range between eight and 53 weeks, depending on the insurer. For patients insured by CZ, the wait is currently 48 weeks.
In response, CZ has partnered with the online healthcare provider iPractice, which offers accelerated screenings for insured individuals. Early results from these online screenings indicate that many people may benefit from short-term support rather than a formal diagnosis. This system aims to reduce the pressure on waiting lists while still addressing the needs of those seeking help.
“The goal is to help everyone without further burdening the waiting lists,” the spokesperson from CZ said. “And it seems to be working.”
The growing demand for ADHD diagnoses reflects a broader societal trend toward greater awareness of mental health issues, says child and youth psychologist Malou Franke. According to Franke, modern life’s high expectations and the constant flow of stimuli make it more common for individuals, particularly young people, to struggle with focus and concentration.
“Society places high expectations on what we should be able to do,” said Franke, who is also known online as Malou De Psycholoog. “With so many distractions, it’s almost abnormal for a young person or young adult to be able to focus for an hour. But that is still the standard we expect.”
Online content about ADHD, such as videos and memes, further amplifies this awareness, often portraying behaviors like forgetfulness and impulsivity as signs of the disorder. However, Franke cautioned that not all symptoms associated with ADHD are necessarily pathological.
“Some things are just normal parts of who you are as a person,” she explained. “Not every person with ADHD forgets their keys, just like not everyone with sensitivity to clothing seams has autism. Diagnosing ADHD is much more complex than ticking off a few symptoms.”
The increasing accessibility of ADHD diagnoses has led some individuals to become overly focused on their diagnosis, seeing it as part of their identity. Franke warned that this could be problematic, particularly for those who use their diagnosis as an excuse for not being able to perform certain tasks.
“It’s easy to get caught up in your diagnosis,” she said. “Some people begin to identify with it, saying they can’t do something because they have ADHD. This can be harmful, as there are many ways to cope with ADHD, and it’s important to realize that a diagnosis is just one part of the picture.”
Sietske Sibie, a student psychologist with the Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP), said that many students struggle with their self-image because they were often labeled as lazy or unintelligent in the past. Receiving a diagnosis can be reassuring for these individuals, as it validates their struggles.
“For many of them, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a relief because it helps explain their challenges with concentration,” Sibie explained.
However, not everyone with ADHD wants to take medication. Sibie noted that while medication can help improve focus, it may have side effects, such as difficulty with creativity or feelings of depression.
“Some students find it easier to concentrate with medication, but it can also make it harder to come up with creative ideas,” Sibie said. “Others may experience changes in appetite or become more depressed.”
