People with ADHD face a significantly higher risk of early death, but a recent study suggests that medication may help reduce this risk.
Individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a 71% increased risk of early death compared to those without the condition, according to a new review published in JAMA Network Open. However, the study indicates that taking prescription ADHD medication may provide a protective benefit, potentially lowering the overall risk of mortality.
The review analyzed data from 19 observational studies, encompassing nearly 16 million people across three continents, to assess the long-term effects associated with ADHD. The researchers examined both unnatural causes of death, such as injuries and suicide, as well as natural causes, including health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Across all categories, individuals with ADHD exhibited elevated mortality rates compared to their peers without the diagnosis. “We found that people with ADHD face an increased risk not only of death by suicide and injury, but also of deaths by natural causes, adding to evidence that health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are broad and wide-ranging,” said Joshua Stott, senior author and professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London (UCL).
The study revealed that the risk of death from suicide was nearly doubled for individuals with ADHD, showing an 89% increase. Additionally, the risk of dying from intentional or unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, was found to be 55% higher among this population. Furthermore, there was a 27% increased risk of death from natural causes.
The heightened risk of death from natural causes is often linked to long-term health issues, including smoking and substance use, as well as challenges related to executive function. These challenges can complicate the management of chronic conditions, adherence to treatment plans, and attendance at medical appointments.
In a focused analysis, researchers explored whether medical treatment could influence overall mortality rates. Among individuals with ADHD, those who were prescribed ADHD medication had a 25% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who were not on medication. This suggests that effective treatment may mitigate some of the behavioral effects and health risks associated with the disorder.
“ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition, as the right support and treatment can help people live long and healthy lives,” Stott emphasized. “Our findings underscore the importance of ensuring that everyone who may have ADHD has access to accurate diagnosis and treatment.”
Despite the promising findings, the researchers highlighted several limitations of the study. All included studies were observational, meaning that the results indicate associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships. The conclusions regarding ADHD medication stemmed from only three of the 19 studies, making those results preliminary and based on a smaller population.
Moreover, the results varied significantly across individual studies due to differences in diagnostic criteria, healthcare access, and tracking methods. Underlying factors such as socioeconomic status and the presence of other mental health conditions were not controlled across the data sets.
“Our findings provide early evidence to suggest that medication 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,” said Lucy Corrigan, the first author and a research assistant in the University of Liverpool’s Department of Psychology. “Medication is just part of the story; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support.”
As the conversation around ADHD continues to evolve, the importance of access to effective treatment and support remains paramount for those affected by the disorder, ensuring they can lead fulfilling lives.
According to JAMA Network Open, the implications of this research could be significant for public health strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with ADHD.