Adults with ADHD may have shorter lives « Euro Weekly News
ADHD superpowers. Credit: Pexels, Tara Winstead
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5 per cent of children and 2.5 per cent of adults worldwide. This means millions of people globally are living with ADHD.
In recent years, ADHD has been increasingly discussed in mainstream media, with many celebrities and influencers sharing their diagnoses with fans. According to the ADHD Embrace organisation, celebrities with ADHD include Emma Watson, Ant McPartlin, and Jamie Oliver.
A groundbreaking study conducted by University College London (UCL) and published in The British Journal of Psychiatry has revealed that adults diagnosed with ADHD in the UK may have shorter life expectancies compared to their peers. This world-first research highlights significant concerns about the unmet health needs of this group and the risks they face.
Key findings of the study on ADHD and life expectancy
The study, titled Life Expectancy and Years of Life Lost for Adults with Diagnosed ADHD in the UK, analysed data from 30,039 UK adults diagnosed with ADHD and compared it to data from 300,390 individuals without the condition. The results uncovered a significant gap in life expectancy:
- Men with ADHD had a life expectancy 6.78 years shorter than their peers.
- Women with ADHD faced an even greater reduction, with a life expectancy 8.64 years shorter.
The study also emphasised that only about 1 in 9 adults with ADHD in the UK has received a formal diagnosis, suggesting that these findings may not fully represent the broader ADHD population.
Why do people with ADHD have shorter life expectancies?
According to the researchers, the reduced life expectancy is unlikely to be directly caused by ADHD itself. Instead, it is associated with modifiable factors, such as smoking, substance use, and mental health challenges. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience social exclusion, financial distress, and difficulty accessing healthcare services.
Professor Josh Stott, the senior author of the study, commented:
“It is deeply concerning that some adults with ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. This highlights the need for better support and intervention to address the challenges they face.”
Interestingly, another recent study suggests that individuals with ADHD may actually cope better during periods of acute stress.
The UCL study also pointed out the lack of specialised services for adults with ADHD in the UK. A previous survey revealed that one-third of adults exhibiting ADHD traits received no support, even after seeking care. Although NHS guidelines acknowledge the importance of treating ADHD, services remain underfunded and overstretched.
Lead author Dr Liz O’Nions stated:
“Our findings underline the urgency of identifying and addressing the reasons behind premature deaths in adults with ADHD. By understanding these factors, we can develop strategies to improve life expectancy.”
The findings from UCL’s study serve as a call to action for healthcare systems to provide better support and resources for adults with ADHD. Addressing the challenges faced by this group is critical to improving their quality of life and life expectancy.
