Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, …

Communication

This analysis of a nationally representative sample of US adults found that by 2023, an estimated 15.5 million (6.0%) had a current ADHD diagnosis, nearly half of whom get their diagnosis when they are adults. The results highlight the prevalence of ADHD as a public health issue across the lifespan. About a third of adults with current ADHD do not receive ADHD treatment. Among those receiving stimulant pharmacotherapy, seven out of 10 reported difficulty finding their ADHD medication because it was not available. About half of adults with late-onset ADHD have used the telephone for ADHD services.

ADHD diagnostic criteria require evidence of symptoms before age 12 (7), but a true diagnosis can occur years after symptoms begin. These data suggest that the diagnosis of adults is normal. Although the majority of adults with current ADHD received counseling or medication for their ADHD in the past year, about a third did not receive any type of treatment . Pharmacotherapy of ADHD is associated with social and emotional impairment, unintentional injuries, substance use disorders, and risk of death from non-natural causes.2,5).

The finding that 71.5% of adults who reported taking stimulant medication had difficulty meeting their ADHD prescription in the past 12 months highlights the importance of ensuring an adequate supply of these medications. A 2024 CDC Health Advisory** states that medication shortages and significant barriers to ADHD provider access raise concerns about the risk of overdose. Patients with these problems may seek medication outside of the regulated health care system, increasing their risk of overdose due to the proliferation of counterfeit pills on the over-the-counter drug market. illegal, which may contain unexpected substances such as fentanyl.

Availability of clinical care guidelines for adults with ADHD may improve quality of care and health-related outcomes for this population (8). Reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment can improve ADHD symptoms and long-term health risks in adults with the condition (2,3).

Research using health care record data suggests that about half of adults with ADHD receive their ADHD care via telehealth, and that adults with ADHD use telehealth. telehealth about twice as often as those without ADHD.9). Similarly, recent data indicate that nearly half of adults with ADHD have used telehealth for ADHD care. In March 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Department of Health and Human Services increased the flexibility of the COVID-19 situation regarding the provision of motivational orders via telehealth.^†† except for the first in-person inspection until December 31, 2024. The findings in this report provide information about the size of the population affected by the potential changes in the rules, and if the exception is not extended, provide information that can help suppliers prepare for increased levels. – personal health care needs.

Telepsychiatry guidelines for ADHD care acknowledge the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of telepsychiatry for ADHD care. Benefits include reduced time and effort, especially given the organizational challenges that people with ADHD face; increased accessibility, especially in other areas of the region; and reduce waiting time. Risks include concerns about quality of care, such as diagnostic accuracy and the potential for misuse or interference with prescription medications, and lack of access to technology by others. ADHD treatment experts suggest that the benefits of increased access to diagnosis and treatment via telehealth outweigh the risks of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD.3). Assessing, monitoring, and determining the quality of telephone service has been shown to help improve these benefits and reduce risks.10).

Weaknesses

The findings in this report have at least three limitations. First, self-reports of ADHD diagnosis may have recall and reporting bias and were not validated against medical records. Second, surveys with online business panels have low response rates and may generate fewer candidates, increasing the likelihood of non-response. Non-response bias in the RSS has been reduced by new weighting and scoring methods in the NCHS survey, compared to the National Health Interview Survey suggesting lower bias for estimates of prevalence of chronic health conditions.6). The data is cross-sectional and cannot be used to analyze trends over time. Finally, sociodemographic and geographic data were collected prior to the administration of the RSS survey, which would have affected the demographic distribution for other variables such as age, education, household income, and metropolitan area. (6).

Implications for Public Health Practice

Public health professionals can use findings from this report to better understand the prevalence of ADHD in adults, how adults receive ADHD care, potential gaps or delays in diagnosis, and the extent of treatment needs. As policies are developed and evaluated related to ADHD medical care for adults, access to prescription stimulant medications, and telehealth-related conditions, these findings may guide clinical care and make management decisions.