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The project INTREGRATE-ADHD, funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), is focusing on the comparison and integration of administrative and epidemiological diagnostic data of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) through clinical assessment in Germany. INTEGRATE-ADHD is led by the Robert Koch-Institute and conducted in collaboration with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, the University Hospital Würzburg, the Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, the Vandage GmbH, and the DAK-Gesundheit.

ADHD is one of the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorders in children and adolescents in Germany. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and is associated with increased risks for other diseases, substance use, reduced educational success, lower quality of life, and elevated health economic costs.

Data on the prevalence of ADHD diagnoses in the population vary widely between administrative routine data from statutory health insurances and epidemiological data from nationwide studies (e.g., KiGGS and BELLA).

Objectives

By comparing and clinically validating administrative and epidemiological ADHD diagnoses, INTEGRATE-ADHD aims to determine the actual prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents in Germany. It intends to identify potential over- and misdiagnoses, deficits and areas of action concerning the care situation of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Thereby, the foundations for further research and an improvement in the diagnosis and quality of care for individuals with ADHD will be laid.

Project procedure

INTEGRATE-ADHD has a duration of three years (01/2021-12/2023) and consists of six subprojects. People insured by DAK-Gesundheit with children aged 0 to 17 years with an existing ADHD diagnosis will be contacted and invited to participate in an online survey. As part of this nationwide survey, participants will be asked, among other things, about their child's ADHD diagnosis, well-being, and use of care services. In addition, for some children and adolescents, existing ADHD diagnoses are additionally validated by clinical diagnostics using the current S3 guideline. The research unit Child Public Health of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf headed by Prof. Dr. phil. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer oversees subproject three on the quality of care and patient-oriented outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD. In this context, the research group supports the planning and implementation of an online survey and analyzes epidemiological data concerning associations between an existing ADHD diagnosis and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, potential associations with psychosocial risk and protective factors as well as the utilization of care, barriers to care and treatment satisfaction of children and adolescents with ADHD are investigated.

Contact persons:Prof. Dr. phil. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer ( ravens-sieberer@uke.de ) and Dr. Anne Kaman ( a.kaman@uke.de )