The socioeconomic burden of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Spain

Year: 2024

Publisher: Global & Regional Health Technology Assessment

Abstract: The study investigates the impact of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Spanish adults and estimates its economic burden across healthcare, social, economic, and legal domains. Using a bottom-up approach, the study found that the annual cost per diagnosed adult with ADHD amounts to €15,652, with an additional one-time cost of €7,893. These costs predominantly stem from economic factors such as work absenteeism (50%) and social issues like substance abuse (28%). Regarding the one-time cost, healthcare expenses (52%) and legal expenses (42%), particularly related to hospitalization and imprisonment, respectively, make up the bulk. The study underscores the substantial socioeconomic burden of adult ADHD in Spain, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis and treatment in alleviating this burden.

Keywords: adult ADHD, burden of disease, healthcare system, social perspective, substance abuse, work productivity loss