2024 Scorecard of ADHD Treatments

ADDitude Reader Survey Reveals ADHD Treatment Trends & Barriers to Care

In mid-2023, the ADDitude editorial team designed an 85-question ADHD treatment survey and invited responses from 978,871 opt-in newsletter subscribers, 11,013 of whom answered the survey. Data were collected between July 30 and December 4, 2023, and analyzed by ADDitude editors.

Top 10 Research Insights

1. The greatest impediment to effective ADHD healthcare is access to treatment professionals with training and experience in ADHD.

2. At least 80% of children and 70% of adults taking stimulant medication experience persistent side effects, which are partly to blame for medication cessation.

3. Only 42% of parents opt to medicate their children within 6 months of diagnosis; however, waiting too long to medicate was the Number One regret expressed by caregivers.

4. 85% of people with ADHD end up taking medication and they rate its efficacy higher than any other treatment included in the survey.

5. Medication trial and error is seen as necessary but frustrating. On average, children try 2.75 different medications and adults try 2.56 prescriptions.

6. The first-line ADHD treatment recommended by the APA, parent training, is only reaching 57% of children. It is recommended by 93% of those who use it.

7. Complex ADHD is the norm, with 92% of adults and 82% of children reporting at least one additional diagnosis.

8. The top concern when choosing a medication is side effects for caregivers and symptom control for adults. On these measures, the differences between methylphenidate and amphetamine are miniscule.

9. Women diagnosed later in life cite years of misdiagnosis, frustrating medical interactions, and ineffective treatment.

10. Patients are not learning of the executive dysfunctions inherent in ADHD or the risks associated with NOT taking ADHD medication.

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