A groundbreaking study led by University College London (UCL) researchers has revealed that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may live significantly shorter lives than those without the condition.
Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, the study analyzed data from 30,029 adults with ADHD across the UK and compared them to 300,390 adults without ADHD, matched for age, sex, and primary care practice.
The researchers estimated that men with ADHD could have their life expectancy reduced by 4.5 to 9 years, while women with ADHD might lose 6.5 to 11 years. However, due to the limitations of the study, these numbers may overstate the gap, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
The Underdiagnosis of ADHD in Adults
The study highlights a significant issue in ADHD care: underdiagnosis, especially in adults. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood.
It affects attention, planning, time management, and impulse control, creating challenges in education, work, and daily life. Despite its prevalence, only a small fraction of adults with ADHD in the UK have been formally diagnosed, limiting the scope of the study and potentially skewing the results.
Lead author Dr. Liz O’Nions explained, “Only a small percentage of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning this study covers just a segment of the entire community. More of those diagnosed may have additional health problems, which could make the life expectancy gap appear larger than it truly is.”
Lack of Support and Its Consequences
The study draws attention to the lack of resources and specialist services for adults with ADHD in the UK, especially compared to other high-income countries. Many adults with ADHD seek help but face barriers to accessing treatment.
For instance, a previous survey found that nearly 8% of adults screening positive for ADHD had requested mental health support in the past year but did not receive it, compared to just 1% of those without ADHD traits.
This gap in care is concerning because effective treatments, including medication and counseling, are associated with better outcomes. Treatment can reduce mental health challenges, substance use, and social exclusion, all of which may contribute to premature mortality.
Professor Josh Stott, senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of providing proper support: “People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right treatment. However, the lack of support often leads to increased stress, social exclusion, and long-term health impacts.”
Why Might ADHD Reduce Life Expectancy?
While the exact reasons for reduced life expectancy in people with ADHD are unclear, several factors could play a role. People with ADHD may face challenges in maintaining healthy habits, managing stress, and avoiding risky behaviors.
They are also more likely to experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, which can negatively impact physical health.
However, the study could not identify specific causes of death due to limitations in the available data. Understanding the underlying reasons for premature deaths among people with ADHD will require further research.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
The researchers acknowledge that their findings may not be entirely representative of all adults with ADHD. Since only a small percentage of adults with ADHD are diagnosed, the study may overrepresent individuals with additional health conditions, leading to an overestimation of the years-of-life-lost.
The findings may also not apply to other countries or time periods, given the variability in healthcare systems and cultural factors. Future research will need to address these gaps by studying broader and more diverse populations, as well as investigating the specific causes of premature deaths in individuals with ADHD.
Call for Better Support and Services
This study underscores the urgent need for improved ADHD diagnosis and treatment in the UK. Early diagnosis and effective interventions can help reduce the challenges associated with ADHD and improve overall health and well-being.
Dr. O’Nions noted, “Although many people with ADHD live long and healthy lives, our finding that they are, on average, living shorter lives highlights unmet support needs. It is crucial to identify the reasons behind this and develop strategies to prevent premature deaths.”
By addressing the gaps in care and prioritizing research into the causes of reduced life expectancy, policymakers and healthcare providers can work toward better outcomes for people with ADHD. These efforts are essential to ensure that individuals with ADHD can live longer, healthier lives.
For more information about ADHD, please see recent studies about Nutrition’s role in managing ADHD: what you need to know and results showing that Food additives and ADHD: what parents should know.
If you care about ADHD, please read studies about 5 signs you have ADHD, not laziness, and new drug to reduce daydreaming, fatigue, and brain sluggishness in ADHD.
The research findings can be found in The British Journal of Psychiatry.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
