A new study shows that adults with ADHD live shorter lives than those without the condition. The research found that adults with ADHD may lose 4.5 to 11 years of life expectancy. Experts say more needs to be done to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults to improve their health.
New Research Finds Significant Reduction in Life Expectancy for Adults With ADHD
Adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face a shorter life expectancy compared to those without the condition, according to a groundbreaking study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. Experts have called the findings both “striking” and “deeply concerning.”
The study is the first of its kind, comparing the anonymized health records of more than 30,000 UK adults with ADHD to over 300,000 adults without the condition. The data, covering 2000 to 2019, revealed that men with ADHD have a life expectancy reduced by 4.5 to 9 years, while women with ADHD experience reductions of 6.6 to 11 years.
ADHD, commonly diagnosed in children but often persisting into adulthood, is characterized by restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining focus. While awareness of the condition has increased, experts warn that ADHD remains significantly underdiagnosed in adults.
A Call for Support and Treatment
Professor Josh Stott, senior author of the study and clinical psychology expert at University College London, called the findings “deeply concerning.” He emphasized that adults with ADHD often lack necessary support and treatment, worsening health and social challenges.
“People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support,” Stott explained. “However, they are more likely to experience social exclusion and stressful life events, negatively impacting their health and self-esteem.”
The study also highlights “modifiable risk factors” that contribute to the reduced life expectancy in adults with ADHD. These factors, along with unmet medical and psychological needs, play a significant role in the findings.
Experts Urge More Research and Better Access to Care
The study offers valuable insights, but researchers stress the need for more investigation. Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, described the findings as “striking” but cautioned that many questions remain unanswered.
“The differences in life expectancy are substantial, even allowing for statistical uncertainty,” McConway noted. However, he clarified that the study is observational, meaning it cannot establish causation. The complex factors at play require further exploration.
Professor Philip Asherson, a molecular psychiatry expert at King’s College London, pointed out that ADHD is associated with higher rates of smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These conditions likely contribute to the reduced life expectancy.
“ADHD is increasingly recognized as a serious condition in adults, linked to poor health outcomes,” Asherson said. However, he emphasized that access to diagnosis and treatment remains limited, leaving many without the support they need.
Underdiagnosis and the Path Forward
The study found that only one in 300 adults in the UK had an ADHD diagnosis during the study period. However, surveys suggest the actual prevalence is likely closer to one in 30. Researchers estimate that nine out of ten adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, a gap that needs addressing to improve health outcomes.
“Until we address the lack of diagnosis and treatment, the shorter life expectancy for adults with ADHD is likely to persist,” Asherson warned.
The study highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, better access to treatment, and more research into the factors contributing to reduced life expectancy in adults with ADHD.
