LONDON: A groundbreaking study by UCL researchers reveals adults diagnosed with ADHD may have shorter life expectancies than expected. This is the first UK-based analysis estimating life expectancy differences in adults with ADHD.
Significant Life Expectancy Gaps Observed
The research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from 30,029 UK adults with diagnosed ADHD. It compared these findings to a matched group of 300,390 participants without ADHD.
Results indicate that men with ADHD experience life expectancy reductions of 4.5 to 9 years, while women face reductions of 6.5 to 11 years.
Diagnosis and Support Challenges Persist
Less than one in nine adults with ADHD has been officially diagnosed. This reflects a significant underrepresentation, said Professor Josh Stott from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences. “The rate of ADHD in our study is only a fraction of what we would expect,” he noted.
Although ADHD is a lifelong condition, awareness and adult diagnosis rates remain low, with specialist support services under-resourced across the UK.
Complex Challenges for Those With ADHD
ADHD presents unique traits, including high energy and intense focus on areas of interest, alongside challenges with mundane tasks, planning, and time management. These differences can result in challenges at work, in relationships, and in managing health.
Untreated ADHD can lead to mental health issues, substance use, and higher stress levels, impacting overall well-being.
Research Findings: A Call for Better Support
Senior author Professor Stott emphasized that the findings are deeply concerning but point to the need for urgent action. “People with ADHD have many strengths. With the right support, they can thrive,” he said.
Limitations and Future Research
The study acknowledges several limitations. It lacked cause-of-death data, making it difficult to identify specific health factors contributing to reduced life expectancy. Additionally, the sample may overrepresent individuals with co-occurring mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions, potentially overestimating life expectancy differences.
More comprehensive research, especially at the community level, is needed to verify these findings and investigate possible causes of premature mortality among people with ADHD.
The Path Forward
Dr. Liz O’Nions, lead author, highlighted the pressing need for improvements in ADHD care. “It’s critical to understand the factors behind premature deaths so we can develop prevention strategies,” she stated.
Addressing Service Gaps
ADHD treatment, such as counseling and medication, has been shown to improve outcomes. However, support services in the UK remain insufficient. Many adults with ADHD struggle to access specialized care despite presenting to healthcare services more frequently than others.
These findings underline the urgent need to expand support for adults with ADHD, address barriers to treatment, and ensure better mental health care integration.