A study conducted by University College London (UCL) suggests that individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may have a shorter life expectancy than the general population. The research analyzed data from 30,029 adults in the UK diagnosed with ADHD and compared it to a group of 300,390 individuals without the condition, factoring in age, gender, and access to primary healthcare.
The findings revealed that men with ADHD experience a reduction in life expectancy ranging from 4.5 to 9 years, while women with ADHD face a decline between 6.5 and 11 years. The study, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, highlights the impact of ADHD on longevity.
According to senior author Josh Stott, “Individuals with ADHD possess many strengths and can thrive with proper support and treatment. However, they often lack sufficient support and are more likely to face life stressors and social exclusion, which negatively affects both their health and self-esteem.”
Study Limitations
The researchers acknowledged that ADHD is often underdiagnosed, particularly in adults, which may lead to an overestimation of the life expectancy gap. “It’s possible that more people diagnosed with ADHD have additional health issues compared to the average person with the condition, which could skew our results. Further research is needed to determine if this is the case,” explained the lead author, Dr. Liz O’Nions.
Additionally, the study pointed to the lack of specialized services for adults with ADHD in the UK. A related study cited in the UCL research found that 8% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD sought mental health treatment but were unable to access it within the last 12 months.
ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood but can persist into adulthood. Common traits include impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty managing time, which, as the researchers note, can hinder success in both academic and professional environments.