Social and Economic Disadvantage Linked to ADHD

A recent study looks at both the social and economic disadvantages of having childhood attention deficit disorder (ADHD).

The United Kingdom-based study examines the behavioral-health issue in the area, lead by a team of researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School. They analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study based on a databse of 19,500 UK children who were born between 2000 and 2002. 

The study results showed that children who came from families with ADHD were more likely to be below the poverty line in the UK as a whole than the average family. The study also found that the odds of parents in social housing having a child with such a health issue was roughly three times greater than for those who owned their own homes. 

Researchers also found that younger mothers who had children were more likely to be at an increased risk for the behavioral health issue. Mothers that also had no educational background were more likely to have children with this issue. 

Researchers examined information from children who were nine months old, and then again at the ages of three, five, seven and 11. 

"There is a genetic element to ADHD, but this study provides strong evidence that ADHD is also associated with a disadvantaged social and economic background," Dr Ginny Russell, of the University of Exeter Medical School said, via a press release. "Some people believe that ADHD in children causes disadvantage to the economic situation of their family, but we found no evidence to support that theory. It's important to discover more about the causes of this disorder so that we can look towards prevention, and so that we can target treatment and support effectively."

More information regarding the study can be found via the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.