Original Research

Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A database analysis of South African private health insurance

Renata Schoeman, Manie de Klerk
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 23 | a1010 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v23i0.1010 | © 2017 Renata Schoeman, Manie de Klerk | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 May 2016 | Published: 31 January 2017

About the author(s)

Renata Schoeman, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Manie de Klerk, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic, costly and debilitating disorder. In South Africa (SA), access to funding for care and treatment of ADHD is limited, and research is lacking.

Aim: This study aimed to establish the current situation with regard to the psychiatric management of and funding for treatment of adult ADHD in the private sector in SA.

Methods: A diagnostically refined retrospective claims database analysis was conducted. We examined the prevalence, costs and funding profile of claims over a 2-year period for adult beneficiaries with possible ADHD of a large medical administrator in SA.

Results: The prevalence of adult ADHD was lower than published international rates. The presence of adult ADHD increased the prevalence of comorbidity and doubled the health care costs of beneficiaries. Contrary to public belief, comorbidities (including their medicine costs) rather than psychiatric services or medicines were the main cost drivers.

Conclusion: The current private health insurance funding model for ADHD limits access to funding. This affects early diagnosis and optimal treatment, thereby escalating long-term costs. Improved outcomes are possible if patients suffering from ADHD receive timely and accurate diagnosis, and receive chronic and comprehensive care. Balanced regulation is proposed to minimise the risk to both medical schemes and patients. A collaborative approach between stakeholders is needed to develop an alternative cost-effective funding model to improve access to treatment and quality of life for adults with ADHD in SA.


Keywords

ADHD; Prevalence; Knowledge; Diagnosis; Treatment

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