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Health care costs associated with parent-reported ADHD : A longitudinal Australian population–based study
Sciberras, Emma Lucas, Nina Efron, Daryl Gold, Lisa Hiscock, Harriet Nicholson, Jan M.
Sciberras, Emma
Lucas, Nina
Efron, Daryl
Gold, Lisa
Hiscock, Harriet
Nicholson, Jan M.
Abstract
Objective: To examine the health care costs associated with ADHD within a nationally representative sample of children. Method: Data were from Waves 1 to 3 (4-9 years) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 4,983). ADHD was defined by previous diagnosis and a measure of ADHD symptoms (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]). Participant data were linked to administrative data on health care costs. Analyses controlled for demographic factors and internalizing and externalizing comorbidities. Results: Costs associated with health care attendances and medications were higher for children with parent-reported ADHD at each age. Cost differences were highest at 8 to 9 years for both health care attendances and medications. Persistent symptoms were associated with higher costs (p < .001). Excess population health care costs amounted to Aus$25 to Aus$30 million over 6 years, from 4 to 9 years of age. Conclusion: ADHD is associated with significant health care costs from early in life. Understanding the costs associated with ADHD is an important first step in helping to plan for service-system changes.
Keywords
ADHD, health care, costs, economic, medication, children
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Attention Disorders
Book
Volume
21
Issue
13
Page Range
1063-1071
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute of Child Protection Studies
Non-faculty
Non-faculty
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled