Study finds adults with ADHD to have reduced life expectancy

A groundbreaking study led by University College London (UCL) researchers has revealed that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have significantly shorter life expectancies, analyzing data sets from over 30,000 patients.

Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, the study compared data with 300,390 individuals without ADHD, matched by age, sex, and primary care practice. The findings have been reported on by the News Medical publication, showing a reduction in life expectancy for men with ADHD by 4.5–9 years and for women by 6.5–11 years.

This alarming finding highlights unmet support needs for adults with ADHD, according to Senior Author Professor Josh Stott of UCL’s Psychology & Language Sciences department. He noted that while people with ADHD possess many strengths and can thrive with appropriate support, they often lack resources and face increased risks of social exclusion, stressful life events, and negative health outcomes, all of which affect their self-esteem and longevity.

ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition often persisting into adulthood, is characterized by differences in attention focus, high energy levels, and difficulty with mundane tasks. These traits can lead to challenges in planning, time management, school, and work, potentially creating long-term life difficulties. Despite the prevalence of ADHD, the study highlighted that fewer than one in nine adults with the condition in the UK had been diagnosed. This underdiagnosis means that only a fraction of the adult ADHD population has been included in such research, potentially skewing life expectancy estimates. Lead author Dr. Liz O'Nions emphasized the need for broader, community-based studies to determine the true impact of ADHD on life expectancy.

The study also sheds light on the inadequacies of ADHD treatment and support in the UK compared to other high-income countries. Adults with ADHD are underserved by specialist services, with a significant proportion of individuals unable to access needed mental health care. A national survey previously found that only one-third of adults with ADHD traits received medication or counseling for mental health issues, compared to 11% of those without ADHD traits. Furthermore, nearly 8% of adults with ADHD who sought specific mental health treatments in the past year did not receive them, compared to just 1% of those without ADHD traits.

This lack of support is concerning, as treatment is associated with improved outcomes, including reduced mental health issues and substance use. NHS guidelines recognize the importance of identifying and treating ADHD, but the article points to existing services being too ill-equipped to meet the demand. Dr. O'Nions stressed the importance of understanding the underlying causes of premature deaths in adults with ADHD to develop strategies for prevention.

The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for investment in ADHD support services. While many individuals with ADHD lead healthy lives, the evidence that their life expectancy is reduced on average reflects systemic gaps in care. Improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and support could help mitigate the challenges faced by adults with ADHD and enhance their quality of life.

By Nazrin Sadigova