A new study reveals that individuals with ADHD face shorter life expectancies and higher rates of mental health challenges compared to those without the condition. The research, conducted on over 30,000 people in the UK, found that men with ADHD lived an average of 4½ to 9 years shorter than the general population, while women experienced a 6½ to 11-year reduction in life expectancy.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and often lasting into adulthood. It results from imbalanced neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which plays a key role in executive function—planning, focusing, remembering instructions, and multitasking. People with ADHD may struggle with restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed, impacting all areas of life.
While approximately 3% to 4% of adults in the UK are diagnosed with ADHD, many may go undiagnosed, potentially inflating life expectancy gaps as noted by study authors. Recent research corroborates these findings, highlighting a higher risk of premature death among those with ADHD or autism in both the US and Europe.
The study highlights links between ADHD and increased risks of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Factors like smoking, poor diet, high cholesterol, diabetes, or genetic/Environmental influences may contribute to these outcomes. Researchers caution that causation cannot be definitively established due to observational data limitations.
Treating ADHD involves addressing behavioral and medical conditions alongside lifestyle changes like exercise, proper nutrition, dental care, and sleep hygiene. Mental health professionals can help patients develop coping strategies and discuss medication options, which have shown promise in reducing mortality risks in some cases. While challenges remain in treatment accessibility, the findings underscore the importance of understanding ADHD’s impact on overall health and life expectancy.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/23/health/adhd-shorter-life-expectancy-study-wellness/index.html