The Association of Oral Stimulant Medication Adherence with Work Productivity among Adults with ADHD

Abstract

Objective: Examine associations between oral psychostimulant pharmacotherapy adherence, work productivity, and related indirect costs among US adults with ADHD. Methods: Medication adherence (Medication Adherence Reasons Scale [MAR-Scale]), work productivity and activity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment–General Health questionnaire), and ADHD symptom level (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 Symptom Checklist) were assessed in this noninterventional online survey of adults who self-reported having an ADHD diagnosis and were currently receiving oral psychostimulant treatment for ≥3 months. Results: Of 602 respondents, 395 had low/medium adherence (LMA: MAR-Scale total score ≥1) and 207 had high adherence (HA: MAR-Scale total score 0). After adjusting for covariates, the LMA group had significantly greater levels of absenteeism, absenteeism-related indirect costs, and total indirect costs (all p < .01) than the HA group. Conclusion: In adults with ADHD using oral psychostimulants, lower medication adherence was associated with greater absenteeism and indirect costs.