Dr. Ahmed A lot of people globally have ADHD, a condition that affects brain development. While many believe it is only a childhood condition, it continues into adulthood and affects many areas of life.
It is normal to be concerned about how this may affect how long someone lives. However, like many other mental health issues, the answer is complex
To begin, ADHD itself does not directly decrease your lifespan because the situation is more complex than that.
Research points towards a possible connection between ADHD and a somewhat shorter life, but this is not a direct result of the disorder. Rather, it is related to other factors and difficulties that people with ADHD might deal with.
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What does research say about this?
A recent study in The British Journal of Psychiatry shows that adults with diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may have a shorter life expectancy compared to those without the condition.
The study, analyzing data from over 30,000 adults in the UK with ADHD, revealed a potential reduction in life expectancy of 4.5 to 9 years for men and 6.5 to 11 years for women.
A study from The British Journal of Psychiatry indicates that adults with ADHD diagnoses may have a decreased lifespan.
Analyzing data from more than 30,000 UK adults with ADHD, researchers found that men might live 4.5 to 9 years less and women 6.5 to 11 years less than those without the condition.
By comparing the lifespan of those with and without ADHD, researchers determined that those with ADHD had a shorter lifespan.
On average, women with ADHD died about 8.6 years earlier, and men about 6.8 years earlier. This significant difference requires us to learn more about the underlying factors
Why the discrepancy?
It can be said that the lowered life expectancy ratio is associated with factors that can be changed, including lack of needed support and treatment for both ADHD and other mental health disorders as well as physical ones.
People with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and depression, which can negatively impact their health. Additionally, impulsive behavior can lead to risky choices that affect lifespan.
What can be done?
Lead author Dr. Liz O’Nions emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that lead to early mortality in ADHD patients to create preventative strategies.
ADHD treatment, especially when addressing behavioral inhibition problems with medication, may reduce risk factors.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as improved nutrition, regular exercise, and reduced substance use, can also positively influence life expectancy.
Previous research on ADHD life expectancy
Several studies have indicated that individuals with ADHD may have a higher risk of premature mortality compared to those without ADHD.
A study from 2015 looked at whether ADHD increases the risk of death. Researchers followed almost 2 million people in Denmark, including over 32,000 with ADHD. They found that people with ADHD had a higher death rate than those without it.
Most deaths were caused by accidents. The risk was highest for adults diagnosed with ADHD, and women with ADHD had a higher risk than men.
Even after removing people with other mental health issues like conduct disorder and substance use problems, ADHD still increased the risk of death. This shows that ADHD itself may play a role in higher mortality, mainly due to accidents.
People with ADHD may have shorter lifespans because of certain habits and life challenges, like smoking, feeling more depressed, having a higher body weight, earning less money, and struggling with thinking tasks.
A genetic score for ADHD (ADHD-PGS) is linked to these traits. In a recent study, researchers studied whether this genetic score affects aging using a blood test called GrimAge.
They found that the ADHD-PGS was linked to faster aging, but education, smoking, depression, and income played a role in this link.
Higher education seemed to help reduce the negative effects of ADHD on aging. This study helps us understand how ADHD traits can impact aging and lifespan [ref].
The Importance of Diagnosis and Support
The study also highlighted that a minority of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning a large portion of the population is not receiving the support they need.
Early and proper diagnosis, combined with appropriate treatment and support, is so much needed in helping individuals with ADHD lead healthier and longer lives.
What This Means and What Can Be Done:
The reason some people with ADHD might have shorter lifespans is not the ADHD itself but the things that often come with it.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
Early intervention and treatment for ADHD, including therapy, medication, and skills training, can help them make coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their symptoms. This can lower the risk of accidents, injuries, and the development of co-occurring conditions.
Addressing Co-occurring Conditions:
If someone with ADHD also struggles with things like anxiety or depression, they need to address those, too. A combined approach that looks at all the challenges is what truly helps people thrive.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle:
Learning and practicing good habits, like eating well, exercising, and handling stress, can actually help them improve their health over time.
Improving Healthcare Management:
People with ADHD can manage their health better if they use tools like reminders and planners. Seeking help from doctors and nurses also makes it much simpler to stick to their treatment and stay healthy.
Reducing Stigma:
Reducing the stigma surrounding ADHD is vital. Higher awareness and understanding can lead to earlier diagnosis, better support, and improved outcomes.
