New Research: Do People with ADHD Live Shorter Lives?

New research sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their potential impact on life expectancy. The findings indicate that the life expectancy of people with ADHD may be significantly shorter compared to those without the disorder.

According to the study, the life expectancy of men with ADHD may be reduced by about seven years, while for women, the gap could reach nearly nine years. However, the researchers emphasize that the data is accompanied by some uncertainty, with exact ranges varying between a decrease of 4.5 to 9 years for men, and 6.5 to 11 years for women.

“It is very concerning that some adults with ADHD live shorter lives than they should," said Dr. Josh Stott, a professor of psychology at University College London. “With the proper support and treatment, people with ADHD can thrive, but they often lack support and are exposed to stressful life events and social exclusion, affecting their health and self-esteem."

The study, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, is based on data from 30,039 adults with ADHD in the UK who were treated in clinics between 2000 and 2019. The comparison group included over 300,000 patients without ADHD. The researchers noted that adults with ADHD often have poorer outcomes in education, work, and health, both physical and mental.

In the US, about 6% of adults suffer from ADHD, but only half are diagnosed at age 18 or older. Researchers estimated that fewer than 1 in 9 individuals with ADHD are diagnosed during their lifetime. The issue of under-diagnosis may lead to an overestimation of the life expectancy gap between people with and without ADHD, but researchers emphasize it represents an urgent need for attention.

According to the report, individuals with ADHD are more likely to struggle with mental health issues and often manage their condition through smoking, drug use, excessive risk-taking, and compulsive behavior. Researchers noted that further research is required to understand possible differences in causes of death between people with and without ADHD.

Adults with ADHD face a range of symptoms including impatience, difficulty organizing and managing time, mood changes, and increased stress. These symptoms can directly impact quality of life and contribute to reduced health outcomes.

“Our findings demand urgent attention,” the researchers wrote, calling for the establishment of support systems to help adults with ADHD improve their physical and mental health while reducing the negative effects of the disorder.