People diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face an overall risk of premature death that is approximately 71% higher than those without the condition, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.
However, taking prescription medications for ADHD may provide a protective benefit, reducing the overall risk of death, according to the review.
Researchers analyzed data from 19 observational studies involving nearly 16 million people across three continents to assess the long-term effects associated with this disease.
The review considered both unnatural causes of death, such as injury and suicide, and natural causes, including physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Across all categories, people with ADHD experienced high mortality rates compared to those without a diagnosis.
“We found that people with ADHD face an increased risk not only of death from suicide or injury, but also of death from natural causes, adding to the evidence that the health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are vast and varied,” said lead author Joshua Stott, professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London (UCL), in a press release.
The risk of death by suicide almost doubled, showing an 89% increase, while the risk of dying from intentional or unintentional injuries, such as road accidents, was 55% higher, the study found.
There was also a 27% higher risk of death from natural causes among people with ADHD.
Increased risk of death from natural causes was often linked to long-term health risks like smoking and substance use, as well as problems with executive functions that can make it more difficult to manage chronic conditions, attend doctor’s appointments, and follow treatment plans.
In one analysis, researchers tested whether medical treatment changed overall mortality rates.
Among people with ADHD, those who took medications prescribed for ADHD had a 25% lower risk of death from any cause than those who did not take medications, suggesting that effective treatment could reduce some of the behavioral effects and health risks associated with this condition.
“ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition, as appropriate support and treatment can help people live long, healthy lives,” Stott said.
“Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring that everyone who may have ADHD has access to accurate diagnosis and treatment.”
Despite these findings, the researchers highlighted several key limitations.
All included studies were observational, meaning the results show associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships.
Results on ADHD medications come from only three of 19 studies. These results are therefore still preliminary and based on a much smaller group of people.
Results also varied widely between studies due to differences in diagnostic criteria, access to healthcare, and follow-up methods, while underlying factors such as socioeconomic status and other mental health conditions were not controlled for in the datasets.
“Our findings provide preliminary evidence to suggest that medications may play an important role in supporting the health of people with ADHD, but this is based on a small number of studies and further research is needed to clarify this link,” first author Lucy Corrigan, a research assistant in the department of psychology at the University of Liverpool, said in the same press release.
“Medication is only part of the problem; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support.”
Gn Health
