Research helps explain links to mental health difficulties

Researchers from the University of St Andrews analysed the comments given by participants in the nationwide survey carried out by Dyslexia Scotland in 2024

The original, statistical analysis by University of Glasgow revealed that rates of depression and anxiety among individuals with dyslexia are three to four times higher than they are in the general population. The new analysis sheds light on some potential reasons for this, including from issues regarding stigma, prejudice and mislabelling.

Other issues highlighted include the difficulty of accessing formal identification, with a knock-on effect of lack of support in education and work, leading to ongoing inequalites.

The researchers presented their findings to a packed room at the Royal Society of Edinburgh in September.

Professor Silvia Paracchini FRSE, Professor of Neurogenetics at the University of St Andrews, said:“The link between dyslexia and mental health came through very powerfully from a large number of survey respondents. Increasing evidence supports this link, but investigations into the topic are still limited. We hope that this event will be the beginning of that conversation.”

Lead researcher of the analysis, Dr Sam Warne from the University of St Andrews, said: “It was so insightful to analyse such a rich dataset. When there are over 1,400 individuals’ stories and experiences that all tell such similar tales, it is hard to ignore how important and relevant this topic is.”

Cathy Magee, chief executive of Dyslexia Scotland, said: “This data illuminates the unseen critical inequalities the dyslexic community faces, highlighting the educational, social and psychological consequences that even those who feel supported face on a daily basis. The findings of this independent interpretation of the research data firmly underscore the urgent need in Scotland to invest in early identification, subsidise adult assessment, educate our educators and invest in workforce support. Without policy-level intervention, the cost of inaction will be greater than the cost of support for the one in ten people with dyslexia in Scotland.”