Social and Economic Costs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the financial and non-financial costs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan. Method: The population costs of ADHD in Australia were estimated for the financial year 2018 to 2019 using a prevalence approach to cost estimation across all ages. Financial (healthcare, productivity, education and justice systems, and deadweight losses) and non-financial costs were measured (Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)). Results: The total social and economic cost of ADHD in 2018 to 2019 were US$12.76 billion (range US$8.40 billion to US$17.44 billion, with per person costs of US$15,664 per year). Productivity costs made up 81% of the total financial costs, followed by deadweight losses (11%), and health system costs (4%). Loss in terms of wellbeing was significant (US$5.31 billion). Conclusion: There is a need to raise public awareness of the considerable socioeconomic impact and burden of ADHD in order to drive investment and policy decisions that improve identification and treatment of ADHD.

Digital cognitive training in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

“…Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent mental disorders, affecting approximately 5% of children and adolescents worldwide, and is associated with a large economic and social cost 1–4. The essential diagnostic features of ADHD are a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning or development, leading to emotional and behavioural disturbances, as well as academic challenges 5–7.…”

Cost-Effectiveness and Cost Utility of Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review

“…A ttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with high personal, societal, and governmental costs across all ages (Doshi et al 2012;Le et al 2014;Sciberras et al 2020). The worldwide prevalence of ADHD is estimated to be around 5.3% (Polanczyk et al 2007).…”

Examining the Educational Gap for Children with ADHD and Subthreshold ADHD

“…Large discrepancies in the achievement of children and adolescents with ADHD on tests of reading, writing, spelling and mathematics have been reported (Massetti et al, 2008; Silva et al, 2015; Zendarski et al, 2017b), as well as discrepancies across non-academic performance indicators including attendance, engagement with school and peer problems (Fleming et al, 2017; Loe & Feldman, 2007; Rushton et al, 2019). Poor educational outcomes for individuals with ADHD limit employment, income opportunities and contribute to the high costs of ADHD, costing approximately $20 billion per year in Australia (Sciberras et al, 2020). Routine measurement of ADHD treatment outcomes needs to extend beyond the core symptoms of ADHD to prioritize measurement of crucial functional areas in the school environment.…”