Adults diagnosed with ADHD have shorter life expectancy, UK study shows
Men with a diagnosis of ADHD die seven years sooner, on average, than similar people without, while for women the life expectancy gap is almost nine years, the first study of its kind has revealed.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause difficulties in concentration and problems with impulsiveness, although people with ADHD do not necessarily experience both. While estimates vary, studies suggest 3-4% of adults worldwide have ADHD.
“For this group of people, they have a reduction in life expectancy that is significant, on average, and is disconcerting,” said Prof Joshua Stott, a senior author of the research from University College London.
While a previous study suggested people with ADHD had a lower estimated life expectancy, this was not based on recorded deaths.
In contrast, the new study used primary care data from more than 9 million adults across the UK, from 2000 to 2019, to explore whether ADHD was indeed associated with a shorter life.
