How does socio-economic deprivation affect the prevalence of ADHD in North West of England?

What is it about?

There is a controversy about the factors which determine the prevalence of ADHD in the society. Conflicting research data support both affluence and deprivation as significant determinants. This study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and the prevalence of ADHD from cross-sectional study of 3 socio-economically distinct regions in North West of England – Warrington, Liverpool and Knowsley/St Helens. Warrington is a relatively affluent area while the other 2 districts among the most deprived areas of England. The prevalence of ADHD was significantly associated with the degree of deprivation in the all the districts.

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Why is it important?

The most likely explanation for this is that the affluent parents are more likely to seek for medical attention first, and as the overall rate of diagnosis improves, progressively more patients from the deprived areas of the society are diagnosed, and their overall numbers eventually surpass those of children from the more affluent backgrounds.

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