- ADHD is the MOST under-recognized, yet treatable psychiatric disorder in Canada
- A minimum of 1 – 2 children in every class
- Conservative prevalence: 5% of children, 4% of adults
- 4 adults out of every 100 people in a company
- At least 1 million Canadians are affected by this condition
ADHD Overview
- ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that has been clinically observed for more than 100 years
- Overwhelming scientific evidence has lead all major medical associations and government health agencies to recognize ADHD as a “real” disorder
- ADHD is the most prevalent child psychiatric disorder in Canada
- ADHD costs the Canadian economy between 6 to 11 billion dollars in lost workplace productivity annually
- Scientific studies have shown that ADHD is highly heritable and is a chronic disorder that persists throughout the lifespan
- Eighty per cent of children diagnosed with ADHD maintain the diagnosis into adolescence
- Sixty per cent remain impaired by core symptoms in adulthood
- Current lack of knowledge, skills, and integrated services in health and education sectors post major challenges for accessing effective treatments
- Children with ADHD are frequently labeled as problem children rather than children with a medical diagnosis
What is the Burden of Illness (ADHD)?
- ADHD impedes the acquisition of human and social capital
- 3-fold increased risk for high school dropout
- Decreased likelihood of full-time employment, resulting in lower household income
- 2-fold increased risk of injuries (particularly head injuries/fractures)
- 2 to 4-fold risk of motor vehicle accidents as a driver
- Increased risk for substance abuse and other mental health problems (anxiety & depression)
What is the Socioeconomic Burden of Untreated ADHD?
- No Canadian data exists
- U.S. Data:
- ADHD cost of illness throughout the lifespan in the US is estimated to be in excess of $74 billion – conservative estimates would indicate a Canadian cost of over 7 billion
- Direct medical costs for those with ADHD are twice that for those without ADHD
- Childhood ADHD reduces adult earnings by 33 per cent
By extrapolating U.S data, untreated ADHD costs the Canadian economy:
- 12 million days of lost work
- 6 to 11 billion annually in the loss of workplace productivity
- $600 million dollars in accumulated taxes