The Relationship Between ADHD and Shorter Life Expectancy Rates
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have shorter lifespans, new research has found. However, the report doesn’t suggest the condition itself leads to earlier death.
Roughly 15.5 million U.S. adults have received an ADHD diagnosis as of 2023. The study, recently published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, highlights the importance of managing the symptoms of the disorder to avoid circumstances that could lead to risky situations.
“If you smoke and you get [certain types of] lung cancer, that is a causal relationship,” Michael Manos, PhD, a pediatric psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Verywell. “Having ADHD is not causal to death. But the conditions of ADHD tend to generate more situations in life that can be [life-]threatening.”
No one symptom of ADHD can lead to these situations, though. “I think it’s a multifaceted issue,” Francesco Dandekar, MD, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, told Verywell.
However, experts said that impulsivity—a common symptom of ADHD—is likely one of the main reasons people with the condition may have shorter life expectancy rates.
The Relationship Between ADHD and Shorter Life Expectancy Rates
For the study, researchers in the UK analyzed data from 30,039 people with ADHD. They compared people living with the condition to a control group of 300,390 adults who had not received an ADHD diagnosis.
The researchers found the life expectancy of women with ADHD was 6.5 to 11 years shorter; for men, life expectancy dropped 4.5 to nine years.
“It’s a decent number of years, but I don’t think it was surprising,” Dandekar said. The new study isn’t the first to suggest ADHD could play a role in how long some people live.
The reasons ADHD could affect life expectancy are varied. People with the condition have higher rates of motor vehicle accidents, which could contribute. “People with ADHD may have a hard time paying attention while driving, and they may also make more impulsive decisions on the road, which can lead to accidents,” Newcorn said.
People with ADHD also have higher rates of anxiety, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. The latter can affect your lifespan in different ways.
“If you’re using illicit substances, those can shorten our lifespan in the short-term, if a person overdoses, or over time,” Dandekar explained. Newcorn also noted that ADHD is a risk factor for suicide. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out to the 988 Lifeline for support.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment for ADHD Symptoms
The new report underscores the importance of seeking help if you feel your ADHD symptoms are unmanageable.
The takeaway from the research isn’t that people with ADHD will definitely have shorter lifespans, Manos said. “I don’t want people to walk away thinking ADHD is going to kill you,” he explained.
Instead, the report should encourage people living with the condition to speak with a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.
Common symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, procrastination, difficulty staying on-task, frequently interrupting others, frequently losing things, difficulty sitting still, restlessness, and poor time management.
Access to ADHD treatment can be a problem in the U.S., and this could prevent people from getting the help they need. Others may also be hesitant to accept an ADHD diagnosis and take medications that may help, Manos said.
Though some people benefit from taking medication, it’s important to note that there are other treatment paths that a doctor may recommend, including behavior therapy. “The general idea is that there are modifiable factors,” Dandekar said.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of managing ADHD symptoms to avoid circumstances that could lead to risky situations. While impulsivity is a common symptom of ADHD, experts emphasize that the condition itself is not causal to death. Instead, the report encourages people living with ADHD to seek help if symptoms worsen and to consider treatment options that can help mitigate the risks.
FAQs
Q: What is the relationship between ADHD and shorter life expectancy rates?
A: The study found that people with ADHD may have shorter lifespans due to various factors, including impulsivity, motor vehicle accidents, and substance use disorders.
Q: Is ADHD itself causal to death?
A: No, experts emphasize that ADHD is not causal to death. Instead, the condition tends to generate more situations in life that can be life-threatening.
Q: What are some common symptoms of ADHD?
A: Common symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, procrastination, difficulty staying on-task, frequently interrupting others, frequently losing things, difficulty sitting still, restlessness, and poor time management.
Q: What treatment options are available for ADHD?
A: Treatment options for ADHD include medication and behavior therapy. A doctor may recommend one or a combination of these options based on an individual’s needs.