Adults with ADHD May Face Shortened Life Expectancy, Study Reveals

Adults diagnosed with ADHD may experience a shorter life expectancy.

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at UCL, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, suggests that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face a shorter life expectancy.

The study analyzed anonymized data from 30,029 UK adults diagnosed with ADHD and compared them to 300,390 individuals without ADHD, matched by age, sex, and primary care practice.

Findings revealed that men with ADHD had a reduced life expectancy of 4.5 to 9 years, while for women, the reduction ranged from 6.5 to 11 years.

Professor Josh Stott, senior author from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences, expressed concern over these results:
"It is deeply troubling that some adults with ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. While people with ADHD possess many strengths and can thrive with proper support, they often lack adequate resources and face stressful life events and social exclusion, which negatively impact their health and self-esteem."

The study also highlighted the underdiagnosis of ADHD, noting that fewer than one in nine adults with the condition had been formally diagnosed. Professor Stott added:
"We know from community studies that ADHD is far more prevalent than our sample reflects. This underdiagnosis limits our understanding of the condition's broader impact."

The Challenges of Living with ADHD

ADHD is characterized by differences in attention, energy levels, and impulsivity, often making it harder for individuals to focus on routine tasks, manage time effectively, or plan ahead. While these traits can lead to challenges in education and the workplace, they are accompanied by strengths such as intense focus on areas of interest.

ADHD, which begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood, remains significantly under-treated in the UK compared to other high-income countries. A lack of specialist services has left many adults without the support they need.

For instance, a national survey of adults aged 16–64 revealed that only one-third of those with ADHD traits were receiving mental health treatment, such as medication or counseling. Nearly 8% of adults who screened positive for ADHD reported seeking but not receiving mental health support, compared to just 1% of individuals without ADHD traits.

Implications of the Study

The research underscores the need for increased resources and support for adults with ADHD. Lead author Dr. Liz O’Nions emphasized:
"Although many people with ADHD lead long and healthy lives, our findings highlight unmet support needs and an increased risk of premature death. Identifying the underlying causes of these outcomes is essential for developing prevention strategies."

The study also noted the potential for overestimating life expectancy reductions due to the disproportionate number of diagnosed individuals who may have additional health complications. Dr. O’Nions called for more community-based research to provide a clearer picture of ADHD's impact on life expectancy.

Effective ADHD treatment, including medication, counseling, and other forms of support, is associated with improved outcomes such as reduced mental health issues and substance use. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced services and awareness to address the gap in care for adults with ADHD.