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The negative impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on occupational health in adults and adolescents

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Abstract

Purpose

To review the negative effects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence and adulthood on work productivity and occupational health.

Methods

A review of the MEDLINE database was carried out to identify direct and indirect effects of ADHD on work, employment and occupational health.

Results

ADHD is associated with higher levels of unemployment versus controls. Adults with ADHD who are employed experience workplace impairment and reduced productivity, as well as behavioural issues such as irritability and low frustration tolerance. Adults with ADHD are also at increased risk of accidents, trauma and workplace injuries, particularly traffic accidents. Indirect effects of ADHD on occupational health include reduced educational achievement and increased rates of substance abuse and criminality. Overall, ADHD in adults has a substantial economic impact as a result of absenteeism and lost productivity. Psychoeducation, combined with stimulant medications if necessary, is recommended as first-line treatment for adults with ADHD. Limited data available suggest that stimulant treatment can improve work productivity and efficacy, and reduce the risks associated with driving, although further studies are necessary.

Conclusions

ADHD can affect the ability to gain and maintain employment and to work safely and productively. As ADHD is a treatable condition, patients, employers and physicians have a role to play in ensuring optimal occupational health.

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Acknowledgments

Editorial assistance with the drafting and completion of this paper was provided by Dan Booth (Bioscript Stirling Ltd, London, UK) and funded by Janssen–Cilag EMEA.

Conflict of interest

T. Küpper declares no conflict of interest. J. Haavik has in the past 3 years been a member of the advisory board or a speaker for Janssen–Cilag and Novartis. He has never received research support from any pharmaceutical company and declares no other conflicts of interest. H. Drexler declares no conflict of interest. J. A. Ramos-Quiroga has, in the past 3 years, been a consultant, a member of an advisory board and/or a speaker for Janssen–Cilag, Eli Lilly, Shire and Rubió. He has received research grants from Janssen–Cilag, Rubió, Eli Lilly and Alicia Koplowitz Foundation. D. Wermelskirchen is a full-time employee of Janssen–Cilag Germany. C. Prutz is a full-time employee of Janssen–Cilag, Sweden. B. Schäuble is an employee of Janssen–Cilag EMEA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Occupational & Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Thomas Küpper

  2. Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009, Bergen, Norway

    Jan Haavik

  3. Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Schillerstrasse 25/29, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Hans Drexler

  4. Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Pg. Vall d’Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain

    Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga

  5. Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d’Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain

    Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga

  6. Janssen Cilag, Raiffaisenstrasse 8, 41470, Neuss, Germany

    Detlef Wermelskirchen

  7. Janssen Cilag, P.O Box 7073, Staffans Väg 2, 19207, Solletuna, Sweden

    Christin Prutz

  8. Janssen Cilag Medical Affairs Europe, Middle East & Africa, Johnson & Johnson Platz 5a, 41470, Neuss, Germany

    Barbara Schauble

  9. Institute of Occupational & Social Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Kullenhofstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Thomas Küpper

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  1. Thomas Küpper
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  2. Jan Haavik
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  3. Hans Drexler
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  4. Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
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  5. Detlef Wermelskirchen
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  6. Christin Prutz
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  7. Barbara Schauble
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Correspondence to Thomas Küpper.

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Küpper, T., Haavik, J., Drexler, H. et al. The negative impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on occupational health in adults and adolescents. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 85, 837–847 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0794-0

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