Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: variation by socio-economic deprivation

Prasad, Vibhore; West, Joe; Kendrick, Denise; Sayal, Kapil

Abstract

Background: In England, there is a discrepancy between the prevalence of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ascertained from medical records and community surveys. There is also a lack of data on variation in recorded prevalence by deprivation and geographical region; information that is important for service development and commissioning.

Methods: Cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink comprising 5,196 children and young people aged 3-17 years with ADHD and 490,016 without, in 2012.

Results: In 2012, the recorded prevalence (95%CI) of ADHD was 1.06 (1.03-1.09) %. Prevalence in the most deprived areas was double that of the least deprived areas (prevalence rate ratio (PRR) 2.58 (2.36-2.83)), with a linear trend from least to most deprived areas across all regions in England.

Conclusions: The low prevalence of ADHD in medical records may indicate considerable under-diagnosis. Higher rates in more disadvantaged areas indicates greater need for services in those areas.

Citation

Prasad, V., West, J., Kendrick, D., & Sayal, K. (2019). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: variation by socio-economic deprivation. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 104(8), 802-805. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2017-314470

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 22, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 30, 2018
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Deposit Date: Apr 5, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2018
• Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood
• Print ISSN: 0003-9888
• Electronic ISSN: 1468-2044
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 104
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 802-805
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2017-314470
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/922224
• Publisher URL: http://adc.bmj.com/content/early/2018/03/29/archdischild-2017-314470