A groundbreaking new study is unveiling a significant connection between adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their average life span.
Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, the population-based research looked at 30,039 people living in the UK, ages 18 or older, with an ADHD diagnosis. Scientists compared each individual with 10 people of the same age, sex, and primary care practice without ADHD.
The findings suggest that those with ADHD live several years less than others without the condition, largely due to several health conditions, lifestyle factors, and systemic healthcare inequalities that coincide with ADHD—not because of the disorder itself. Let's unpack the findings.
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How Much Does ADHD Impact Life Expectancy?
According to the study's results, adults with ADHD have a notably shorter lifespan than their peers. The researchers found:
- Women with ADHD live 8.64 years less on average.
- Men with ADHD live 6.78 years less on average.
The study estimates that men with ADHD have an average life expectancy of 73.26 years, compared to 80.03 years for those without the condition. Women with ADHD have an expected lifespan of 75.15 years, whereas women without ADHD typically live 83.79 years.
ADHD itself was not found to be directly responsible for cutting years off of adults' lives. Instead, the researchers found a link between co-existing physical and mental health issues and lifestyle factors associated with ADHD that impacted longevity.
"Adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should," the study authors conclude. "We believe that this is likely caused by modifiable risk factors and unmet support and treatment needs in terms of both ADHD and co-occurring mental and physical health conditions."
Reacting to the study's findings, Michelle Dees, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic (who was not involved), told Medical News Today: "The astonishing life expectancy reduction of 7–9 years shows that more cohesive systems and interventions need to be put in place for support."
Why Is ADHD Linked to a Shorter Lifespan?
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The researchers found that adults with ADHD are more likely to experience 13 coinciding medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. More specifically, they found adults with ADHD have:
- a 17% increased risk of diabetes for men (even higher for women)
- a 27% higher likelihood of hypertension
- More than twice the risk of epilepsy
- Over 10 times the risk of personality disorders
- Twice the likelihood to develop depression
- Increased risk of substance abuse and smoking
- Greater likelihood of financial struggles, unemployment, and housing instability
- Poorer management of physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and hypertension
“The high prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with ADHD creates a volatile situation for risk-taking behaviors, including accidents and self-harm," Dee explained to Medical News Today. "Inaccessibility to fundamental health resources also contributes significantly."
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It's important to note that the study authors mention that their results "may not generalize to the entire population of adults with ADHD, the vast majority of whom are undiagnosed." Meaning: This study's results may not be applicable to all and more research in this field will need to be done.
However, given the findings, experts are stressing the importance of better healthcare access and early intervention for people living with ADHD, as well as for those who haven't yet been officially diagnosed.
While the study was done in the UK, it has the power to influence practices in the U.S.
For instance, the study authors urge for improved "awareness of physical and mental health conditions that are more common in people with ADHD," and encourage "timely access to mental health support."
Given the extremely concerning link between ADHD and risk-taking behaviors, such as substance abuse, smoking, compulsive behavior, and self-harm, the researchers also stress the need for support and treatment in these areas.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD or symptoms of the disorder, experts suggest encouraging routine checkups with a primary care doctor, promoting healthy behaviors like sleep and stress management, and seeking treatment with licensed professionals.
