Advancing Informed and Appropriate Use of ADHD Treatments

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Understanding ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts many Americans. It is associated with many psychiatric and somatic comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression, obesity, asthma, sleep disorders, and type 2 diabetes.

Without appropriate care, untreated or mismanaged ADHD contributes to lower graduation rates, job loss, criminal justice involvement, and significant health and economic disparities. The condition carries an estimated economic burden of nearly $194 billion annually due to lost workplace productivity and underemployment.

Key Takeaways

  • ADHD is a real and nuanced medical condition regardless of the cause.
  • There are biases around over- and under-diagnosis. Striking the right balance is key.
  • The diagnosis and management of ADHD requires relevant clinical training.
  • Appropriate treatment for ADHD must be individualized, multidisciplinary and coordinated.

Unlike many conditions, ADHD does not currently have a definitive biomarker or lab test, so relevant clinical training and assessment are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. As a result, ADHD can be misdiagnosed or missed entirely. For example, ADHD in girls is consistently misunderstood. While boys are more likely to be identified early due to hyperactive symptoms, girls often present with inattentive or internalized behaviors that are overlooked or misattributed to anxiety, laziness, or emotional sensitivity. As a result, many women go undiagnosed until adulthood, often after years of struggling silently with focus, time management, or emotional regulation.

Regardless of the causes of ADHD, this condition has major impacts on the individual, their family, and society:

01

Impact on the Person

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with daily functioning, including focus, organization, emotional regulation, and impulse control, among others, which impacts academic and job performance and managing everyday responsibilities.

02

Impact on the Family

Parents or caregivers often face emotional and financial stress related to managing appointments, following treatment options, advocating on their behalf, in addition to dealing with behavioral concerns.

03

Impact on Society

Untreated or improperly managed ADHD is linked to underemployment, absenteeism, job turnover, and serious health risks, including car accidents, substance misuse, and other adverse health and behavioral outcomes.

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