(Korea) ADHD costs quadruple in 4yrs; patient numbers more than triple

May 6, 2026, Korea's ADHD Medical Costs Quadruple in Four Years to 190.9 Billion Won - DongA Science

Medical costs for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in South Korea have more than quadrupled in the last four years. The number of patients has also more than tripled, showing a trend of ADHD spreading beyond children and adolescents to the adult population.

On the 5th, Yonhap News reported, citing data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), that domestic ADHD medical costs reached 190.9 billion won last year, a 314% surge from 46.1 billion won in 2020. During the same period, the number of patients increased 3.3-fold, from 79,248 to 260,251.

As of 2024, by age group, teenagers constituted the largest number of patients with 94,233, followed by those in their 20s with 68,816, and children aged 9 and under with 56,048.

ADHD is a representative pediatric psychiatric disorder characterized by key symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, typically developing in childhood before the age of 7. 

According to Asan Medical Center, the prevalence of ADHD among school-aged children and adolescents worldwide is about 3-8%, with approximately 5% of elementary school students in Korea experiencing symptoms. The causes are believed to include imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain and structural or functional changes in brain regions related to attention and behavioral control.

ADHD symptoms become more prominent in environments that require discipline, such as kindergarten and school. The condition often does not improve naturally with age and can be accompanied by other disorders like anxiety or oppositional defiant disorder. For about half of the patients, symptoms persist into adulthood.

Asan Medical Center stated, “Medication is the most effective treatment, with about 80% of patients showing significant improvement.” It also recommended that parents and teachers use praise as much as possible, as children with ADHD often experience lowered self-esteem from receiving frequent negative feedback for their impulsive and inattentive behavior.