Could ADHD contribute to a shorter lifespan?

Evan Walker
Evan Walker TheMediTary.Com |
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ADHD linked to significantly shorter lifespans, study warns. Image credit: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images.
  • A new study estimates the life expectancy of adults with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • The researchers conclude that, on average, people with an ADHD diagnosis have shorter lives than those without the condition.
  • This, the authors suggest, is likely due to a combination of unmet needs, lifestyle factors, and health inequality.

A new paper, which appears in The British Journal of Psychiatry, concludes that females with an attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis die 8.64 years earlier than females without. Similarly, males with ADHD die 6.78 years earlier on average.

The authors suspect the shortened lifespan is not because of the condition itself. Instead, it may be due to co-occurring Health conditions, unmet medical needs, and modifiable risk factors, like smoking tobacco and substance misuse.

Here, we outline the study’s details and findings and provide tips from experts on how to support friends and family with ADHD.

Medical News Today spoke with Michelle Dees, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, who was not involved in this study.

She told us that the “high prevalence of anxiety and depression with ADHD creates a volatile situation for risk-taking behavior, which includes accidents, self-harm, and more.”

Furthermore, “inaccessibility to fundamental health resources also contributes significantly,” she explained.

Additionally, Barry K. Herman, MD, told MNT that people with ADHD “have higher rates of substance abuse. They are also less likely to attend to their physical health conditions, to keep doctor appointments, and to adhere to treatment recommendations for their ADHD and other conditions.”

Herman is a board-certified adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and the chief medical officer at ADHD Online/ Mentavi Health. He was not involved in the current study.

Speaking with MNT, Beata Lewis, MD, an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist at Mind Body Seven, also not involved in this study, explained the importance of the “ripple effect.” She explained:

“Challenges with work stability often lead to financial stress, which can limit access to good healthcare, time for exercise and leisure, and clean food. Similarly, difficulties maintaining relationships can lead to social isolation. All of these factors are linked to shorter lifespans.”

According to Lewis, long-term stress in ADHD plays a pivotal role in physical health, too.

“Think of it like keeping your engine revved too high for too long — the constant stress from managing ADHD symptoms can lead to inflammation and throw off stress hormones like cortisol,” she told us. “That can cause a host of other negative health consequences.”

While large-scale changes to the health system are necessary to address the reduced life expectancy with ADHD, individuals who know people with the condition can also play a part.

We asked our experts for ways to help those in our lives with ADHD.

“Family and friends can be exceptionally supportive by fostering Healthy communication around the challenges posed by ADHD,” explained Dees.

“It’s critical to support patients in living a healthy life, seeking professional help, and treating their conditions through proper supervision.” Specifically, she suggested encouraging a healthy sleep schedule and better stress management.

“Families and friends should always encourage adults with ADHD to seek and remain in treatment,” agreed Herman. He also suggested people could:

  • familiarize themselves with the disorder and its most common symptoms
  • remain patient and understanding
  • focus on the strengths of people with ADHD and help them stick to their routines.

“The most important role one can play,” Herman told MNT, “is to be a good listener and advocate.”

According to Lewis, “the real game-changer is understanding that supporting someone with ADHD means being a flexible, accepting friend willing to talk about the challenges that ADHD may bring.”

“The key to making a lasting difference isn’t just offering advice but creating a safe space to share struggles openly and feel truly understood,” Lewis concluded.

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