adhd: Adults with ADHD have lower life expectancy, finds British Journal of Psychiatry study.
A recent study has revealed that individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk of mental health issues and have a shorter life expectancy compared to those without the condition. The research, published on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 30,000 adults with ADHD in the UK.
The findings are concerning. Men with ADHD had their life expectancy reduced by 4 ½ to 9 years, while women experienced a reduction of 6 ½ to 11 years. This study highlights the need for better support and intervention for people with ADHD. Dr. Liz O’Nions, the lead author and a research fellow at University College London, emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind premature deaths to develop prevention strategies.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in childhood but frequently lasting into adulthood. It affects the brain’s ability to regulate key functions like concentration, organization, and impulse control. These challenges can significantly impact daily life and increase vulnerability to other health issues.
In the UK, ADHD affects at least 3% to 4% of adults and a slightly higher percentage of children. However, experts believe the actual numbers could be higher due to undiagnosed cases. This underdiagnosis may have led to an overestimation of the life expectancy gap reported in the study.
The researchers used a method called the life-table approach to analyze mortality data. This technique helped them calculate survival probabilities at different ages. Their analysis compared data from 30,029 people with ADHD to nearly 300,400 individuals without the disorder, matched by age, sex, and primary care practice.
The study found that ADHD was associated with higher risks of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and personality disorders. Additionally, individuals with ADHD were more likely to engage in harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use and face physical health challenges such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Experts who reviewed the study noted its significance but cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions about causation. Dr. Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University in England, explained that observational data cannot fully establish a cause-and-effect relationship. He suggested that some of the differences in life expectancy might be linked to factors present before birth, such as genetics or environmental influences.
Inadequate ADHD treatment, particularly for adults, was also highlighted as a potential factor in the study’s findings. In the UK, adult ADHD is still not widely recognized, which limits treatment options and support. The researchers acknowledged this gap and called for more resources to address the condition’s lifelong challenges.
Dr. Oliver Howes, a molecular psychiatry professor at King’s College London, emphasized that many health risks associated with ADHD, such as smoking and alcohol use, are likely consequences of the disorder itself. Addressing these behaviors through targeted interventions could help mitigate some of the risks.
Despite its limitations, the study underscores the importance of improving ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and support systems. Understanding the factors contributing to shorter life expectancy among individuals with ADHD could pave the way for better health outcomes and longer, healthier lives.
As awareness of adult ADHD grows, experts hope for greater recognition of the disorder’s impact and more comprehensive healthcare solutions. The findings are a stark reminder that mental health and physical well-being are deeply interconnected, and addressing both is essential for improving quality of life.
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