CHADD survey reveals the importance of early diagnosis in treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Sep 15 2009

Survey Results Unveiled in Conjunction with National AD/HD Awareness Week (Sept 14-20); Reinforce Importance of Early Diagnosis in Treating AD/HD

The results from an informal survey on AD/HD released today reinforce existing scientific research that the disorder does not affect children alone, and when left undiagnosed until adulthood, can create much larger relationship challenges for those with the disorder.

The survey, released by Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) -- the nation's largest family organization serving children and adults with AD/HD -- was informal and unscientific, but the results nonetheless provide a window into the lives of more than 3,800 individuals in the United States who either self-identified as having AD/HD or have a family member with the disorder. Results have been released in conjunction with National AD/HD Awareness Week (September 14-20, 2009).

Of the 3,821 people who completed the survey -- all either CHADD members, former members, or people who are listed in the organization's database -- 40 percent (1,710) indicated that they have AD/HD. Three-quarters of those with AD/HD noted receiving a diagnosis after the age of 30.

"This week's survey results reinforce the fact that AD/HD is a real and serious disorder," noted Marie Paxson, president of the CHADD board of directors and spokeswoman for AD/HD Awareness Week. "While often mistaken for a childhood disorder alone, AD/HD is extremely prevalent across the country, and as this survey shows, it affects more adults than most people realize."

Also according to survey results, of the group reporting a later-life diagnosis of AD/HD, nearly 45 percent (or 499 out of 1,119) reported being divorced at least once, as compared to 17 percent (or 27 out of 155) of those diagnosed with AD/HD before high school.

"Published studies have previously documented that romantic relationships -- already complex -- are commonly made more difficult when one individual has AD/HD. These challenges are made yet again more difficult when that individual is not diagnosed early," added Paxson.

By contrast, an early diagnosis of AD/HD showed to have a positive impact on the quality of relationships between children and their parents. Of those with AD/HD who were diagnosed at age 14 or earlier, 83 percent (or 129 out of 155) agreed or strongly agreed that their relationship with their parents is a good one -- approximately 20 percentage points higher than those who were diagnosed after the age of 30.