
A groundbreaking study recently published in The British Journal of Psychiatry reveals a concerning trend: individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.) face a significantly reduced life expectancy compared to those without the disorder. This extensive research, involving over 30,000 British adults, shows men with A.D.H.D. losing an average of seven years of life expectancy, while women lose approximately nine.
This study is notable for being one of the first of its kind to utilize all-cause mortality data to gauge the life expectancy of those with A.D.H.D. Previous research has already underscored various risks linked with the disorder, including higher instances of poverty, mental health issues, substance abuse, and engagement in risky behaviors.

Joshua Stott, a professor at University College London and a co-author of the study, describes the results as “extremely concerning,” highlighting the urgent need to address these disparities. “It’s a big number, and it is worrying,” he comments. Stott believes the findings reflect broader issues of health inequality rather than just the effects of the disorder itself.
The study also found that individuals with A.D.H.D. are twice as likely to smoke or abuse alcohol and have higher rates of autism, self-harming behaviors, and personality disorders than the general population. These factors likely contribute to the reduced life expectancy seen among this group.
System Adjustments Needed for Better Care
Healthcare systems may need to adapt to better serve the A.D.H.D. population, who often struggle with sensory sensitivities and managing time, making typical medical appointments challenging. Stott is hopeful that treatments for substance abuse and depression could be tailored to better meet the needs of those with A.D.H.D. “If it’s about systems, it’s malleable,” he asserts. “This doesn’t have to be.”

Historical Context and Broader Implications
The idea that A.D.H.D. is merely a childhood disorder is rapidly becoming outdated. “To me, the best analog is diabetes,” says Russell Barkley, a retired professor and lead author of a related 2019 study. He emphasizes that A.D.H.D. requires lifelong management, similar to chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Further complicating the issue is the shift in how A.D.H.D. is diagnosed, with an increasing recognition that many adults, particularly women and people of color, were previously undiagnosed. This shift has led to a surge in first-time diagnoses among older adults, though prevalence among children has remained consistent.
Stephen Hinshaw, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who was not involved in the British study, acknowledges its significance but also points out its limitations, particularly the absence of data on specific causes of death. “There are risk factors to work on,” he notes, suggesting that a focus on prevention strategies, such as addressing suicidality, improving diet and exercise, and treating depression, could be beneficial.

The study highlights a vital public health issue that demands immediate attention. As we understand more about A.D.H.D. and its extensive impacts, it becomes increasingly clear that both healthcare providers and society at large need to rethink how we treat and manage this disorder. The findings serve as a call to action, urging us to address the inequalities in health care and support systems to improve the life chances and well-being of those with A.D.H.D.