National survey reveals heavy burden of adult ADHD

The idea that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder "outgrow" their problems is false, according to a recent survey.

The results of a national survey, conducted by the Roper polling firm and reported at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, show that:

• Adults with ADHD are more likely than adults without ADHD to engage in antisocial or harmful behaviors. Over 60 percent are smokers, and 52 percent have used recreational drugs. Adults with ADHD are twice as likely as other people to have been arrested, with 37 percent of the ADHD individuals who participated in the survey reporting that they had at least one prior arrest.
• Adults with ADHD are more likely than other people to have a poor self image, with only half (compared to 76 percent of non-ADHD adults) saying that they like being themselves and accept themselves for who they are.
• Adults with ADHD are three times more likely to suffer from depression or stress than non-ADHD adults. About one in four of the ADHD group surveyed said their poor mental or physical health prevented them from fully participating in normal activities for approximately one-third of the days in each month, compared to only 9 percent of non-ADHD respondents.
• Adults with ADHD were twice as likely to be divorced or separated as non-ADHD adults.
• Adults with ADHD are less likely to be high school or college graduates, with 17 percent (compared to 7 percent of controls) reporting that they had not finished high school.
• Only 52 percent of ADHD respondents were currently employed, compared to 72 percent of non-ADHD respondents.

"Survey of adults reveals life-long consequences of ADHD," news release, Porter Novelli, May 6, 2004.

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