PMH10: HEALTH OUTCOMES OF CHILDHOOD ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): HEALTH CARE USE AND WORK STATUS OF CAREGIVERS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among children in the US. However, the social and economic costs of ADHD are not well understood. We sought to examine the impact of childhood ADHD on caregivers' work status and work productivity, and patients' health care use. METHODS: We conducted a telephone survey of 154 caregivers of ADHD-diagnosed children. Caregivers were identified from membership in CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). RESULTS: The mean number of ADHD-diagnosed children per caregiver was 1.3 (range 1?4); 60% of children were in 6th grade or lower. The reported mean number of prior year ADHD-related visits to pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors was 2.0, 3.7, 2.9, and 6.6 visits, respectively. In the 3 months prior to telephone survey, 18% of visits were for unscheduled emergencies?63% of caregivers reported some change in their work status as a result of their child's ADHD. Of these, 15% changed type of job, 46% reduced hours worked per week, and 11% stopped working completely. During the 4 weeks prior to survey, caregivers reported having lost an average of 0.8 days from work and being 25% less productive, for an average of 2.4 days attributed to their child's ADHD?this is equivalent to 39 days reduced caregiver productivity per year. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood ADHD adversely affects caregiver work status and work productivity. ADHD also results in frequent unscheduled emergency visits. Effective disease management of childhood ADHD may ultimately mitigate substantial costs borne by employers and health care systems.