As we work to protect access to ADHD treatment, accurate information, and the support so many of us rely on, your advocacy matters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD affects about eleven percent of children and six percent of adults, equaling an estimated 22 million people in the United States. ADHD is one of the most-studied health conditions in the world and has an evidence-based standard of multimodal care.
We are at a critical moment for the millions of American children and adults who live with ADHD. Recent federal actions raise serious questions as to the continued availability of essential healthcare, educational supports, and resources for people with ADHD. These actions include the executive order establishing the MAHA Commission, which appears to question the validity of ADHD diagnoses and treatments.
CHADD calls on policymakers to ensure these critical supports remain available so individuals with ADHD can thrive in their health, education, and daily lives. ADHD is a widespread, serious, and chronic condition that can have devastating consequences when left untreated. Without access to evidence-based care and educational supports, individuals with ADHD face severe risks to their health, economic stability, and overall well-being.
For example, men with ADHD live an average of seven fewer years and women with ADHD live nine fewer years than their peers without ADHD. This is based on a recent study, that examined data from more than 30,000 adults in the United Kingdom. These findings are consistent with a growing body of research from several countries showing that untreated ADHD is linked to a shorter lifespan. Contributing factors include higher risks of substance use, accidents, self-harm, and other co-occurring health issues. The economic impact of untreated ADHD is just as stark. Untreated ADHD costs the United States between $143 billion and $266 billion each year, with the burden falling across healthcare systems, workplaces, schools, and the criminal justice system.
Research supports a multimodal treatment approach—including medication, behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), education and work supports, and lifestyle modifications—as an effective way to manage ADHD and mitigate its associated health and economic impacts. The National Institute of Mental Health's Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD found that combination treatment and medication management alone were both significantly superior to intensive behavioral treatment alone and to routine community care in reducing ADHD symptoms. Additionally, studies indicate that incorporating lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, can further enhance treatment outcomes.
Supporting policies that ensure access to the full range of evidence-based interventions is critical to improving outcomes for people with ADHD.
Therefore, we urge federal leaders to take immediate action. Specifically, we call on Congress and the Trump Administration to:
Defend access to FDA-approved treatments for ADHD by rejecting proposals that limit or undermine evidence-based approaches to care.
Safeguard funding for ADHD and mental health research, ensuring continued investment in the development and evaluation of effective interventions for both children and adults.
Preserve insurance coverage for ADHD care, across public and private plans, so that individuals and families can access the treatments and services they need to thrive.
By recognizing the full scope of ADHD as a public health issue and supporting evidence-based treatment and education, we can significantly improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities nationwide. If these issues matter to you, now is the time to speak up.
Contact your members of Congress and let them know you oppose efforts that would undermine ADHD care. Stay engaged with CHADD as we continue to monitor these developments and provide opportunities to act. Together, we can protect the future of ADHD care and ensure every person has the chance to thrive.