ADHD in Finland and Types of Scandinavian Cooperation.

This paper reviews the history and current status of services to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Finland. It notes the availability of free or almost free health services in Finland and the resulting very low infant mortality rate. The history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), termed "minimal brain dysfunction" (MBD) in Finland from the early 1970s until the 1990s, is briefly reviewed as are major studies of MBD/ADHD in Finland. The paper describes how the need for information led to the establishment of the MBD Infocenter, a support and information center for parents of children with MBD/ADHD, and the MBD Association, also with the purpose of providing support to parents. Implementation of a screening program, followed by more thorough diagnostic evaluations, is described. A variety of therapies provided at local health centers or at the Infocenter, especially art therapy, music therapy, and structured neuropsychological group therapy (based on the program developed at the Chilean institution, La Corporaiton para el Desarrollo del Aprendizaje), are also described. Finally, several cooperative efforts with Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are mentioned, including translation and publication of a novel about MBD/attention deficits; a yearly working group with representatives from all four Scandinavian countries; and development of a new term, "DAMP" (dysfunctions in attention, motor control, and perception). (DB)