Workers with ADHD do 22 days less work every year

Workers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do 22 days less work every year compared to those not affected by the condition, new research finds.

A study published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal today claims that so much work is being lost that employers should consider screening staff for ADHD as well as providing treatment for those affected.

Adults suffering from ADHD usually find it hard to concentrate at work because they may be hyperactive, easily distracted, forgetful or impulsive.

Over 7,000 18 to 44-year-olds were screened for the condition by the World Health Organisation World Mental Health Survey Initiative in the study.

On average, 3.5 per cent of workers had ADHD.

People with the condition were discovered to spend 22.1 more days not working than those not affected.

Of those days, 8.4 were when they were unable to work, with 21.7 days of reduced work quantity and 13.6 days of reduced work quality.