0
0
A recent study from University College London (UCL) has revealed a concerning link between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and reduced life expectancy. The findings suggest that adults diagnosed with ADHD may live significantly shorter lives due to inadequate diagnosis, lack of support, and associated health challenges.
ADHD and Life Expectancy: A Troubling Discovery
The groundbreaking research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed anonymized primary care records of 30,029 adults in the UK with ADHD, comparing them to a control group of 300,390 adults without the condition. The study concluded that men with ADHD may live between 4.5 to 9 years less than their non-ADHD counterparts, while women with ADHD could experience a reduction of 6.5 to 11 years in life expectancy.
Senior author, Professor Josh Stott from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, stated: “It is deeply concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should.” He emphasized that, while people with ADHD possess strengths, their lack of support leads to social and health challenges that can be mitigated with proper treatment.
Challenges Faced by Adults with ADHD
The study highlights that fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning that the true impact on life expectancy might be underrepresented. According to Professor Stott, “We know from studies of traits in the community and from studies of childhood diagnosis that the rate of ADHD in our sample is just a fraction of what it should be.”
People with ADHD typically experience difficulties focusing on mundane tasks, leading to impulsivity, restlessness, and challenges in planning and time management. These traits can hinder academic and career success, contributing to long-term difficulties. Though ADHD is increasingly recognized as persisting into adulthood, the condition remains under-treated in the UK, where services for adult ADHD are under-resourced.
Potential Overestimations in the Study
The researchers cautioned that the study’s findings may overestimate the reduction in life expectancy for people with ADHD. Dr. Liz O’Nions, lead author of the study, explained, “Only a small percentage of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning this study covers just a segment of the entire community. More of those who are diagnosed may have additional health problems, which could overestimate the life expectancy gap.”
The Urgent Need for Better Support
Despite recognition of the condition’s impact, support for adults with ADHD remains scarce in the UK. A previous national survey found that a third of adults with ADHD traits were receiving mental health treatment, compared to only 11% of those without the condition. Alarmingly, nearly 8% of individuals who screened positive for ADHD reported being unable to access necessary mental health treatments.
Dr. O’Nions emphasized that while many people with ADHD live long, healthy lives, the average reduction in life expectancy points to unmet support needs. She concluded, “It is crucial that we find out the reasons behind premature deaths so we can develop strategies to prevent these in future.”
Study Limitations and Future Directions
The study has certain limitations, including the lack of data on causes of death, making it impossible to attribute lost years to specific health issues. Furthermore, the underrepresentation of adults with ADHD in clinical settings may have influenced the findings, as those diagnosed may have co-occurring mental health conditions that could skew the results. The findings may also not apply to other countries or settings.
Disclaimer: This research is based on the available data from the UK, and findings may not apply universally. The results represent a segment of the ADHD population and should not be considered definitive for all individuals with the condition. Further studies are needed to confirm these conclusions and identify potential causes for the observed trends.
Reference:
“Life expectancy and years of life lost for adults with diagnosed ADHD in the UK: matched cohort study” by Elizabeth O’Nions, Céline El Baou, Amber John, Dan Lewer, Will Mandy, Douglas G.J. McKechnie, Irene Petersen, and Josh Stott, 23 January 2025, The British Journal of Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2024.199
