National Mental Health Response Measures Promoted... Emphasis on Early Treatment for Children

Over the past three years, sudden economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and successive stabbing attacks have increased anxiety and fear among the public. In response, the government is emphasizing the need for managing the nation's mental health and is working on policies to strengthen medical treatment.

According to the Presidential Office this month, the government announced that it is preparing the "National Mental Health Service Innovation Plan" centered on the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the second half of this year. To promote the mental health of the public, mental health social work that manages everything from early detection of mental illnesses to prompt treatment and social reintegration after discharge will be strengthened at the national level.

According to the "National Mental Health Report 2021" published this year by the National Center for Mental Health, among those who have ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder using the Korean Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI), only 12.1% have ever consulted a mental health professional. This figure is significantly lower compared to major countries where the rate exceeds 40%.

Mental health issues affect not only adults but also children more significantly. According to the "COVID-19 Infant and Toddler Development Survey" conducted by Seoul City last year, among 456 children aged 0-5 attending daycare centers, 152 children (33.3%) required expert help, and 67 children (14.7%) needed observation. Furthermore, according to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of ADHD patients increased dramatically by 92.9%, from about 53,000 in 2017 to approximately 102,000 in 2021. It is estimated that the number of patients who have not visited medical institutions is even higher.

Among various pediatric diseases, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a congenital disorder caused by underdevelopment of the frontal lobe, which controls attention, and mainly appears during childhood. Although the exact cause is unknown, if symptoms persist into adulthood, it can lead to difficulties in maintaining social life, depression, and alcohol addiction, resulting in social problems. Therefore, treatment during childhood is important. ADHD primarily appears in childhood and adolescence, but about 70% of pediatric ADHD patients may continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, and there are also many cases where symptoms manifest during adulthood.

Typical ADHD treatment involves medication that addresses dopamine deficiency. The response is generally immediate and effective, but patients often report side effects such as headaches, dizziness, appetite suppression, decreased sleep quality, and depression.

Therefore, rather than relying solely on Western medicine, it is necessary to combine various treatments that foster brain development and regulatory abilities. Experts emphasize that early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD are crucial, as untreated attention problems can make social life difficult even in adulthood.

According to the "Status and Prospects of Domestic and International Digital Therapeutics Industry" published this year by the Korea Innovative Medicines Consortium (KIMco), digital therapeutics require on average more than 40% less development time and over 90% less development cost compared to new drugs. Consequently, interest in digital therapeutic devices has increased in Korea in recent years, with efforts underway to develop devices for various indications.

Meanwhile, foreign countries are discussing the establishment of approval and insurance reimbursement systems for digital therapeutic devices. To date, Germany is the only country that has established a reimbursement system for digital therapeutic devices overall.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.