Germany's ADHD care funding faces potential cuts amid rising diagnoses
Germany’s Federal Association for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy has raised concerns over potential cuts to care support for young people with ADHD. In a recent discussion, the group urged Health Minister Nina Warken to maintain financial assistance for affected families. The call comes as more children with ADHD are being recognised under official care assessments. The association’s deputy chairman, Stephan Osten, stressed the importance of classifying children and adolescents with ADHD under care level 1. He argued that this would help families cover the costs of athletic programs and extended care hours, which many young people with the condition require.
Currently, some ADHD patients qualify for care level 2, with only rare cases reaching level 3. Osten highlighted that increased physical activity, often necessary for managing symptoms, places additional financial strain on households. Responding to the concerns, Minister Warken acknowledged that care assessments now include groups previously overlooked, such as young people with ADHD. She confirmed that more individuals in this category are being recognised as needing formal support.
The debate centres on ensuring financial aid remains available for families with ADHD children. Official recognition under care levels could ease the burden of extra costs, including specialised activities. The government’s next steps will determine how these needs are addressed in future care policies.
