Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) costs workers worldwide 22 days of work each year, research has found.

As part of the World Health Organisation World Mental Health Survey Initiative, over 7,000 employed and self-employed workers aged 18-44 years were screened for ADHD.

Results revealed that 3.5 per cent of workers had ADHD, with a higher prevalence of the disorder recorded in men.

In response to the findings, researchers at Harvard Medical School recommended: "It might be cost-effective from the employer perspective to implement workplace screening programmes and provide treatment for workers with ADHD."

According to the study, adults with ADHD spend 22 days less working than those unaffected by the disorder each year, being unable to work or carry out their everyday activities for 8.4 days.

The survey included adults from Belgium, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain and the US and highlighted that many people are unaware they have the condition.

Register now to access our FREE educational library

• Study dismisses sugar as encouraging hyperactivity 18/12/08
• ADHD symptoms may affect ability to quit smoking, study suggests 24/11/08
• ADHD drugs' genetic damage fears allayed in new study 21/11/08
• Movement study shows difference in sexes for ADHD sufferers 04/11/08
• ADHD and serious nicotine addiction risk 24/10/08

• CONCERTA XL Prolonged-release Tablets - 49.42%
  CONCERTA® XL is indicated as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children (over 6 years of age) and adolescents when remedial measures alone prove insufficient. Diagnosis must be made according to DSM-IV criteria or the guidelines in ICD ...
  
  
• EQUASYM Tablets - 47.03%
  Methylphenidate is indicated as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children over 6 years of agewhen remedial measures alone prove insufficient. The decision to treat as well as follow-up must be under supervision of a specialist in ...
  
  
• EQUASYM XL Capsules - 46.1%
  Equasym XL is indicated as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children over 6 years of age when remedial measures alone prove insufficient. Treatment must be under the supervision of a specialist in childhood behavioural disorders ...
  
  
• STRATTERA - 46.1%
  Strattera is indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 years and older and in adolescents as part of a comprehensive treatment programme. Diagnosis should be made according to DSM-IV criteria or the guidelines in ICD-10. Additional information ...
  
  
• RITALIN - 46.1%
  Indicated for the treatment of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. (ADHD ...
  
  
• DEXEDRINE - 46.1%
  Narcolepsy; refractory hyperkinetic states in children under specialist supervision. (ADHD ...