Adults with ADHD in the Workplace

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

31 Jul 2008 04:24 PM

A new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lose more than three weeks per year in workplace productivity.

Researchers from the World Health Organization surveyed nearly two hundred thousand people in thirty countries around the world. They also performed diagnostic assessments on more than seven thousand employed adults in Belgium, Columbia, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.

According to the data from the World Health Organization, between three and four percent of all adults worldwide suffer from ADHD. However, many adults may not realize they have a problem. ADHD can contribute to a major loss of concentration and productivity at work, thanks to chronic forgetfulness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Other interesting results from the survey:

• ADHD was more common in men than in women.
• ADHD was more common in developed countries than in developing countries.
• ADHD was more common among blue collar workers than white collar professionals.

People who were diagnosed with ADHD -- either before or during the study -- worked as many as twenty-two fewer days per year than workers without ADHD. On average, employees reported more than eight days per year when they just couldn't concentrate on routine tasks and more than thirteen days per year when their performance quality was reduced.

The bottom line? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects work performance as much as or even more than depression. ADHD can contribute to employees taking more sick days, having more accidents on the job, and having difficulty interacting with coworkers.

Some experts wonder if it would help to screen workers for ADHD. Some employers are looking at that option. In the long run, it can help increase productivity and reduce sick days -- and even lower long term health care costs. However, employer-mandated screenings could lead to discrimination against workers with ADHD. It's a tricky question to be sure.

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