What percentage of the population have ADHD?

ADHD> disability

1. The most important things in a nutshell

In the case of ADHD *, the pension office can determine a degree of disability (GdB), especially if there are additional impairments, e.g. partial performance weaknesses. If a GdB is recognized, certain aids and compensation for disadvantages can be used.

2. General

Support and help for people with disabilities are mainly regulated in SGB IX - Rehabilitation and participation of people with disabilities. The following links to the general rules:

Since mental disorders also include ADHD and ADD, people with disabilities can be entitled to integration assistance. More about the financial benefits for ADHD under ADHD> Financial Aid.

3. Health care principles

When determining the disability, the pension office follows the "medical care principles". These contain reference values ​​about the level of the GdB or the degree of damage consequences (GdS). They can be viewed in the Supply Medicine Ordinance at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs at www.bmas.de> search term: "K710".

4. Impairments of mental performance in childhood and adolescence

The impairments in the intellectual development of children and adolescents are not easy to assess, since tests can only assess the state of development at a certain point in time. For this reason, other aspects such as emotional development and social classification options must also be taken into account.

4.1. Developmental disorders in infancy

The GdB / GdS assessment requires a standardized assessment with suitable test procedures and determination of the development quotient (EQ). A follow-up examination must be carried out at the start of compulsory schooling.

Localized developmental disorders in the areas of motor skills, language or perception and attention

GdB / GdS

easily, without significant impairment of the overall development


otherwise - until compensation - depending on the impairment of the overall development


in particularly severe cases


Global developmental disorders (Limitations in the areas of language and communication, perception and play behavior, motor skills, independence, social integration)

depending on the extent of the social classification disorder and the behavioral disorder (e.g. hyperactivity, aggressiveness)

GdB / GdS

low impact


strong effects (e.g. development quotient (EQ) from 70 to over 50)


severe effects (e.g. EQ 50 and less)


4.2. Limitation of mental performance in school and youth

Partial cognitive weaknesses (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia)

GdB / GdS

easily, without significant impairment of school performance


otherwise - also taking into account concentration and attention disorders - up to compensation


with particularly severe symptoms (rarely)


5. Behavioral and emotional disorders beginning in childhood and adolescence

The criteria of the definitions of the ICD 10-GM version 2011 must be met. Comorbid mental disorders are to be considered separately. A disability only exists from the beginning of the impairment of participation. A general assessment of the GdB / GdS after a certain age is not possible.

5.1. Hyperkinetic disorders and attention disorders without hyperactivity

Without social adjustment difficulties, there is no impairment of participation.

In the event of social adjustment difficulties ...

GdB / GdS

... without affecting the ability to integrate


... with an impact on the ability to integrate in several areas of life (e.g. regular kindergarten, regular school, general labor market, public life, domestic life) or if those affected require supervision beyond the appropriate age


... with effects that do not allow integration into areas of life without comprehensive support or supervision


... with effects that do not allow integration into areas of life even with extensive support


From the age of 25 the GdB / GdS is usually not more than 50.

6. GdB / GdS in adults

The "Health Care Principles" do not specifically address adults with ADHD. The reference values ​​are, however, to be seen as guidelines. The decisive factor is the severity of the impairment in everyday life, which is caused by the disease. Therefore, a GdB / GdS due to ADHD is basically conceivable if the expert detects a correspondingly strong impairment in everyday life.

In practice, however, it happens more often that a GdB / GdS is awarded in connection with a concomitant illness. Symptoms often change in adulthood. The many negative experiences that people with ADHD experience in childhood and adolescence often lead to great self-doubt and insecurity in adulthood. The risk of developing depression, addiction or somatization disorder is therefore increased for ADHD patients. It usually happens that a GdB / GdS is awarded in connection with a concomitant illness.


* For the sake of simplicity, ADHD is used as a collective term for ADS (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder).

7. Related links

Disability> Vacation and free time

Disability> Tax Benefits

Degree of disability



ADHD> Financial Aid

ADHD> care

ADHD> Causes and Diagnosis

ADHD> adults