The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Psychological Distress in Canadian Adults With ADD/ADHD. Issue 9 (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pond, Emily; Fowler, Ken; Hesson, Jacqueline
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 23:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 940
• Page End: 948
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: ADD/ADHD -- psychological well-being -- SES -- adult -- adult ADHD; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054716653214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and psychological distress in individuals self-reporting a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADD)/ADHD.Method: This correlational study encompasses cross-sectional data from 488 male and female adults (20-64 years) who reported that they have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Psychological distress was measured with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).Results: Adults with ADD/ADHD and high incomes have significantly lower K10 scores than Canadians with ADD/ADHD and low incomes. Income, but not education, was significant in predicting psychological distress among the sample. Canadian adults with ADD/ADHD have an increased risk for developing psychological distress and comorbid psychiatric disorders.Conclusion: The findings suggest that negative outcomes associated with ADD/ADHD are not necessarily pervasive. High income may serve as a protective factor for psychological distress among adults with ADD/ADHD.