Developmental Language Disorder and Mental Health Related GP Visits: Evidence from Health Records in England
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Introduction/Objectives. Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental condition. It is associated with elevated levels of psychopathology. There is no scholarship on the help-seeking behaviour amongst children and young people (CYP) with DLD from their General Practitioner (GP). We examined the relationship between psychopathology, mental health-related GP visits, and DLD. Methods. We analysed existing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) with linked GP records up to the age of 25 years (maximum n=5,524; 51% female, 9% DLD). We fitted mixed-effects and logistic regression models to the data. Results. CYP with DLD had higher odds of visiting their GP for mental health needs than peers without DLD (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.21-1.94) even after accounting for their levels of mental health need (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08-1.75). Among CYP with DLD, being identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was associated with higher odds of mental health related GP contact (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.29-3.40).Conclusions. CYP with DLD are more likely to visit their GP for mental health needs. Those whose SEND is recognised in school are more likely to visit their GP for mental health needs. Increased awareness and recognition of DLD in educational settings may facilitate access to mental health care for CYP with DLD. GPs are likely to have a central role in supporting the mental health of CYP with DLD and thus need suitable support and resources to do so.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7164036137