Adult ADHD can be costly to families and taxpayers

Marsha Hunt---For years hyperactivity was thought to the domain of children.  Now science observes adults have attention deficits as well, and the latest statistics reveal this can be costly both to families and taxpayers.

90% of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed and untreated, according to Dr. Russell Barkley, Monitor on Psychology March 2012, page 70.  This can be costly to those who have it as well as their families, co-workers and the society as well.

The BC Medical Association ADHD White Paper estimated the cost of ADHD at half a billion annually to BC taxpayers, with an under-estimated cost because they only counted the cost of children under the age of 18 years.  When one estimates the numbers with the inclusion of adults, the figure is in the billions, according to the BCMA report.

Experts tell us that many doctors aren't trained in the diagnosis of ADHD.  In addition, many people in society don't understand its impact on the culture or believe it is really a significant health condition, as observed in the details given on some of the Internet health sites administered by health professionals.  Furthermore many doctors don't even believe it is a medical condition.

This is why there are organizations to raise awareness of ADHD and to remind people that the condition can cause the rest of us indirectly to lose money.  And during times of government shutdowns and debt ceiling discussions, making sure we understand how certain health conditions can exacerbate existing problems is helpful.