Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: increased costs for patients and their families.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the direct (medical and prescription drug) and indirect (work loss) costs of children treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their family members.


METHODS
The data source was an administrative database from a national, Fortune 100 manufacturer that included all medical, pharmaceutical, and disability claims for beneficiaries (n > 100,000). The analysis involved four samples. The ADHD patient sample included individuals age 18 or younger with at least one ADHD claim during the study period (1996-1998). Resource utilization of ADHD patients was contrasted with a matched control sample of patients who did not have claims for ADHD. The ADHD and non-ADHD family samples included non-ADHD family members of ADHD patients and their matched controls.


RESULTS
The annual average expenditure (direct cost) per ADHD patient was $1,574, compared to $541 among matched controls. The annual average payment (direct plus indirect cost) per family member was $2,728 for non-ADHD family members of ADHD patients versus $1,440 for family members of matched controls. Both patient and family cost differences were significant at the 95% confidence level.


CONCLUSIONS
ADHD imposes a significant financial burden regarding the cost of medical care and work loss for patients and family members.
Swensen
Andrine R
AR
Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, USA.
Birnbaum
Howard G
HG
Secnik
Kristina
K
Marynchenko
Maryna
M
Greenberg
Paul
P
Claxton
Ami
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000639:trends; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000639:trends*; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male