A newly published study has revealed that individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face a significantly reduced life expectancy. With men losing up to nine years and women up to eleven years.
The research, conducted by University College London and published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, adds weight to long-standing concerns about the broader health risks associated with the disorder.
Researchers analyzed the health records of 30,029 adults diagnosed with ADHD in the U.K. and compared them to 300,390 individuals without the condition.
The findings showed a clear link between ADHD and a shorter lifespan, though the study did not determine direct causes of death.
While the study did not pinpoint the precise reasons for the reduced life expectancy, experts suggest a combination of mental health struggles, increased risk-taking behaviors, and difficulties accessing healthcare may be at play.
Josh Stott, a senior author of the study and a professor at UCL, stated that past research has linked ADHD with a higher likelihood of engaging in risky activities, substance abuse, and experiencing mental health challenges.
These factors could contribute to increased rates of suicide and addiction-related deaths among those with ADHD.
Stott also highlighted another potential issue: society is not designed to accommodate neurodivergent individuals, making it harder for people with ADHD to access essential services, succeed in school, and find stable employment.
These systemic challenges may, in turn, negatively impact their long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer at LifeStance Health, was not involved in the study but praised its methodology.
According to Ramtekkar, this is the first study to use direct mortality data rather than predictive models based on self-reported health information. He described the findings as a long-overdue confirmation of what many experts have suspected for years.
Despite its strengths, the study has some limitations.
The researchers only examined individuals with formal ADHD diagnoses, meaning the results do not account for the large number of undiagnosed cases.
ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adults, with estimates suggesting that only one in nine cases are properly identified. This means that the true impact of ADHD on life expectancy could be even greater than the study suggests.
Experts stress that ADHD itself is not necessarily a direct cause of early mortality. Instead, premature deaths appear to stem from preventable factors linked to the disorder, such as untreated symptoms, lifestyle choices, and co-occurring conditions.
Ramtekkar pointed out that ADHD is often accompanied by mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and increased suicide risk.
Physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease, are also more common in adults with ADHD.
Additionally, individuals with the disorder tend to have higher rates of smoking, substance use, poor sleep habits, and other behaviors that contribute to mortality.
“This study reinforces the reality that ADHD isn’t just about attention issues—it’s a real health condition with serious risks,” Ramtekkar said. “We need to fight the stigma surrounding ADHD and recognize it as a condition that requires medical attention and support.”
Stott and other experts emphasize that addressing these risks requires a multi-faceted approach. Healthcare systems need to be better equipped to provide support for people with ADHD, including specialized interventions and services tailored to their unique needs.
“This could mean training healthcare providers to recognize and address ADHD-specific challenges,” Stott explained. “We also need research to understand barriers to care and how we can adapt healthcare to better serve neurodivergent individuals.”
Beyond healthcare, experts argue that societal changes—such as more inclusive school and workplace environments—could help mitigate the negative impacts of ADHD.
Stott suggests that by creating systems that accommodate neurodiverse individuals, society could reduce many of the struggles that contribute to poor health outcomes and premature death.
Families and loved ones also play a crucial role in reducing risks associated with ADHD.
Encouraging regular healthcare visits, creating structured routines, and supporting lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking, improving sleep, and exercising—can all help close the life expectancy gap.
While more research is needed, one thing is clear: ADHD is not just a childhood disorder or a minor inconvenience. It has real, life-altering consequences, and addressing it properly could save lives.