ADHD Linked to Increased Risk of Early Death, Study Suggests

People diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a 71% higher risk of early death compared to those without the condition. A recent review published in JAMA Network Open highlights this concerning statistic.

However, the review notes that taking prescription ADHD medication may reduce this risk. Researchers assessed data from 19 observational studies, which included nearly 16 million participants across three continents. The goal was to understand the long-term effects associated with ADHD.

Elevated Mortality Risks in ADHD

The review considered both unnatural causes of death, such as injuries and suicide, and natural causes, like cardiovascular and diabetes-related conditions. Overall, individuals with ADHD faced higher mortality rates than those without the diagnosis.

Joshua Stott, a professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London (UCL), stated, People with ADHD face an increased risk not just of death from suicide and injury, but also from natural causes. These findings highlight the broad health inequalities experienced by those with ADHD.

The study found an 89% increase in the risk of suicide and a 55% increase in deaths from injuries, including motor vehicle accidents. There was also a 27% higher risk of death from natural causes.

Impact of ADHD Medication

The increased risk of death from natural causes often ties to long-term health risks such as smoking and substance use. Executive function challenges in managing chronic conditions also play a role.

Importantly, taking prescribed ADHD medication is linked to a 25% reduction in the risk of death from any cause among those with the condition. This suggests that effective treatment may help mitigate some behavioral and health risks.

Stott emphasized, ADHD is not inherently life-limiting. Proper support and treatment can enable individuals to lead long, healthy lives. He stressed the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment access for everyone who may have ADHD.

Limitations and Future Research

Despite these findings, researchers pointed out several limitations. All studies were observational, meaning they indicate associations rather than direct causation. Also, only three of the 19 studies focused on ADHD medication, signaling a need for further research.

Diverse results across studies were due to varying diagnostic criteria, healthcare access, and tracking methods. Socioeconomic factors and other mental health conditions also influenced outcomes.

Lucy Corrigan of the University of Liverpool stated, Our findings suggest that medication might aid the health of people with ADHD. Yet, this conclusion is from a limited number of studies, indicating more research is necessary. She added that medication is only one aspect of treatment, with many benefiting from comprehensive, long-term support.

Khloe Quill and the Fox News Digital lifestyle team cover health, travel, and other topics to provide a broad range of lifestyle insights.