Adult ADHD linked to significant loss of workplace productivity

Research led by Dr. Ron de Graaf of the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction finds that adults with Attention Deficit Hyeractivity Disorder (ADHD) lose around 22 days per year in effective work performance, including 8.7 extra days being absent across 10 countries studied (Source: "Adult ADHD costly in lost work time," Associated Press posted on MSNBC.com, May 27, 2008). 

For the United States, the research team estimated the rate of ADHD for adults age 18-44 to be 4.5 percent, accounting for 28.3 days of lower performance. 

The estimated rate of ADHD for adults age 18 to 44 and days lost per affected worker varied across the 10 countries varied.  The rates were were Lebanon, 0.9 percent, 19.4 days; Spain, 1.3 percent, 1.1 days; Colombia, 1.9 percent, 29.4 days; Mexico, 2.4 percent, 6.1 days; Italy, 3.4 percent, 22.2 days; Germany, 3.5 percent, 13.6 days; Belgium, 3.7 percent, 16.5 days; Netherlands, 4.9 percent, performance improved; and France, 6.3 percent, 20.1 days.

According to the report's co-author, Ronald Kessler of Harvard, it could be cost effective for employers to screen workers for ADHD and provide treatment.  He notes that his research on depression has found that investing $1,000 in treatment for people suffering depression has helped prevent $4,000 in lost productivity.  He suggests that  “It sure looks like the effect would be as big, if not bigger, for ADHD. We’re looking around for an employer or two who might be willing to give this a try.”