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A new study highlights the significant health risks faced by adults with ADHD, revealing a shorter life expectancy compared to those without the condition. The research found that ADHD adults life expectancy is reduced by up to 11 years. Experts urge better diagnosis and treatment to address these risks.

Research Highlights Significant Health Risks for Adults With ADHD

A groundbreaking study has found that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have significantly shorter life expectancies compared to those without the condition. Experts have called the findings “deeply concerning” and “striking.”

Published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, the research analysed health data from more than 30,000 adults with ADHD and over 300,000 without it in the UK. Covering the years 2000 to 2019, the study revealed that men with ADHD lived 4.5 to 9 years less than their peers, while women with ADHD experienced life expectancy reductions of 6.6 to 11 years.

ADHD, typically diagnosed in children, is characterised by impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. However, the condition often persists into adulthood, where it remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood.

The Role of Modifiable Risks and Unmet Needs

Professor Josh Stott of University College London, the study’s senior author, described the findings as “deeply concerning.” He noted that while adults with ADHD have many strengths, they often face higher rates of social exclusion, stressful life events, and unmet support needs. These challenges can take a toll on both their physical and mental health.

The study pointed to “modifiable risk factors,” such as untreated ADHD symptoms and related health conditions, as the likely causes of reduced life expectancy. Researchers believe improving access to proper diagnosis and treatment could help mitigate these risks and improve outcomes for people with ADHD.

Experts Call for More Research and Better Support Systems

While the findings are significant, experts emphasised the need for further research. Professor Kevin McConway, an applied statistics expert at the Open University, described the differences in life expectancy as “striking” but cautioned that the study raises additional questions.

“This is an observational study, meaning it cannot definitively establish causation. The complex interplay of factors contributing to these outcomes requires further investigation,” McConway said.

Professor Philip Asherson, a molecular psychiatry expert at King’s College London, added that ADHD is often linked to higher rates of smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer—factors that contribute to early mortality. He also highlighted the significant lack of access to diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD, a gap that urgently needs to be addressed.

“ADHD is a serious condition in adults, yet access to adequate care remains limited,” Asherson said.

Widespread Underdiagnosis Compounds the Issue

The study found that just one in 300 adults in the UK was diagnosed with ADHD during the research period, despite surveys suggesting that one in 30 likely has the condition. This indicates that as many as 90% of adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, leaving their symptoms and associated risks untreated.

Without addressing the widespread underdiagnosis of ADHD, researchers warn that the reduced life expectancy among adults with the condition is likely to persist.

The study underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, improved diagnostic tools, expanded access to treatment, and further research into the health risks associated with ADHD in adults.