The negative impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on occupational health in adults and adolescents
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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Adult ADHD is associated with substantial impairments in productive role functioning, social role functioning, and most strongly in cognitive functioning.
“Our results regarding role impairments are also consistent with much previous research in showing that adult ADHD is associated with substantial impairments in productive role functioning (Kupper et al. 2012), social role functioning (Bouchard and Saint-Aubin 2014), and most strongly in cognitive functioning (Ivanchak et al. 2012)”
From The descriptive epidemiology of DSM-IV adult ADHD in the world health organization world mental health surveys (2017) · cites this paper as Kupper et al. 2012
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- Authors
- Küpper, T., Haavik, J., Drexler, H., Ramos-Quiroga, J. A., Wermelskirchen, D., Prutz, C., & Schauble, B.
- Affiliations
- RWTH Aachen University (DE)
- University of Bergen (NO)
- Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin (DE)
- Janssen (Germany) (DE)
- Corresponding author
- Küpper, Thomas
- Venue
- International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Published
- 2012-07-03
- Volume
- 85
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 837-847
- ISSN
- 0340-0131 (ISSN-L)
- 1432-1246
- OpenAlex
- W2070716977
- Cited by
- 152
- References
- 25
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 1.23
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Fundación Alicia Koplowitz
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Education and Employment
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, occupational health, labor productivity, unemployment, occupational injuries, traffic accidents, absenteeism, economic burden, stimulant medication, psychoeducation, adolescents, adults, substance abuse, criminality
- MeSH terms
- Accidents, Traffic, Adolescent, Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Crime, Educational Status, Efficiency, Humans, Irritable Mood, Unemployment, Occupational Health, Substance-Related Disorders, Occupational Injuries
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