Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

Ashman and colleagues (2025) recently published a report that examined health center visits by adults who had a diagnosis of ADHD. These authors used data from the 2023 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Health Center (NAMCS HC) Component. 

The definition of a health center can be found here. Federally qualified health centers, regardless of whether or not they received Section 330 funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, were included in this report.

In 2023, a rate of 52.6 visits per 10,000 adults was reported. This rate varied significantly by age, with younger adults (18–24 years) having the greatest visit rate (92.6). 

Greater than two-thirds (69.6 percent) of these health center visits were by adults who also had documentation of at least one of the following mental health conditions: anxiety disorder, mood disorder, substance use disorder, a behavioral syndrome, or personality disorder. Over one-third (40.1 percent) of the visits were by adults who had a diagnosis of at least one of the following chronic health conditions not related to mental health: overweight or obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, asthma, or diabetes.  

Over half (54.6 percent) of the visits were by adults who had a prescription for one of the following ADHD medications: amphetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, or viloxazine. The first two are stimulant medications, while the latter two are non-stimulant medications. The most common prescription was for amphetamine.

Audiologists may see adult patients who have been previously diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These findings highlight some potential comorbid conditions experienced by adult patients who have ADHD and are seen in federally qualified health centers, as well as their use of prescription medication for ADHD. 

References

Ashman, J.J., Santo, L., Peters, Z.J., Okeyode, T., & Gidali, D. (2025). Visits to health centers by adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: United States, 2023. NCHS Data Brief. Dec (543):1─12.

Health Resources and Services Administration. (2025). What is a health center?