Can Increased Recovery Rates from Coronavirus be explained by Prevalence of ADHD? An Analysis at the US Statewide Level

Previous research demonstrates thatADHDis considered a risk factor for COVID-19. The current study attempts to investigate the relationships between infection, mortality and recovery rates from coronavirus and the prevalence of ADHD at the US statewide level. Based on information from 2011 regarding the prevalence ofADHDacross the US by state, findings suggest that, while there are no correlations betweenADHDand population size, infection and mortality rates from coronavirus, recovery rates (recovery-population ratio)risewith the prevalence ofADHD. Consequently, a possible explanation is that in coping with the disease,ADHDmight provide an evolutionary advantage. An example of this phenomenon can be found in the gene that causes sickle-cell disease, which, as a non-dominant gene, helps cope with infection from malaria. If corroborated, research findings may support the conclusion that coronavirus limitations in special educational frameworks forADHDwould not be required or could be relaxed. JEL Codes: H75, I12