Families to receive more support in children’s attention disorder treatment approach in Finland

The treatment approach for children’s attention disorders should focus more on supporting family life, according to Terhi Aalto-Setälä, chief physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Earlier today, Yle reported that the Kanta-Häme welfare region is shifting the focus of treatment for children’s attention disorders. For instance, ADHD assessments will no longer be conducted until family life has been stabilized.

THL has not yet compiled data on the extent to which this family-oriented model is being implemented across welfare regions. Aalto-Setälä believes that this approach should be adopted elsewhere. She emphasizes that the importance of daily routines is not fully recognized, despite treatment recommendations highlighting this aspect.

“Daily routines play a crucial role, especially for children suffering from attention disorders. Healthcare is expected to provide more significant help and support, even though it should always start with these everyday matters,” she said. She suggests that a child’s daily load should be age-appropriate, clear, predictable, and regular, pointing to examples such as family time at home, shared meals, and consistent bedtimes.

There have been instances where mistakes may have occurred in diagnoses. ADHD diagnoses among children aged 7 to 17 have notably increased in recent years, particularly in the North Karelia welfare region, where one in five boys under 13 has been diagnosed with ADHD. Katri Räsänen, deputy chief physician for nursing and health care in schools under Siun sote, states that diagnosing ADHD is challenging, and it has previously been contemplated that misdiagnoses are likely.

Siun sote also emphasizes the importance of addressing everyday life at the outset of ADHD treatment. In initial assessments, the entire family is usually involved, and if necessary, the service connects with school health personnel or psychologists. Räsänen highlights the significance of comprehensively considering the family’s daily life, stating that “it is essential to look at the structures of daily life and fix them first.” North Karelia families face similar challenges as those elsewhere, including sleep deprivation and online gaming, along with various stressors impacting the family. Moving forward, Siun sote aims to place even greater emphasis on initial assessments.