New research from University College London (UCL) suggests that having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could significantly reduce life expectancy, potentially shortening lives by up to 11 years. The study found gender differences in the impact of ADHD, with men expected to live 4.5 to nine years less and women by 6.5 to 11 years.
In the UK, approximately 2.6 million individuals are diagnosed with ADHD, a condition characterised by restlessness, concentration difficulties, and impulsive behaviour, according to the NHS.
“It is deeply concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should,” said Professor Josh Stott, the senior author of the study. He added: “People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment.”
The study highlighted that those with ADHD often face stressful life events and social exclusion, which can adversely affect their health and self-esteem. Symptoms of ADHD typically emerge early on and may become more pronounced with changes in environment, such as starting school.
While most diagnoses occur by age 12, there has been an increase in adult diagnoses, attributed to greater awareness of the condition. UCL’s research also noted a dramatic rise in ADHD diagnoses among UK adults between 2000 and 2018, with ADHD medication prescriptions for men aged 18 to 29 soaring by nearly 5,000 per cent.
A study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry has revealed that fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD have been diagnosed. The research, conducted by UCL, analysed data from 30,029 UK adults diagnosed with ADHD and compared it to 300,390 participants without the condition.
Professor Stott, part of the research team, stated: “We know from studies of traits in the community and from studies of childhood diagnosis that the rate of ADHD in our sample is just a fraction of what it should be.”
However, there are concerns that these figures may not be accurate due to many people remaining undiagnosed with ADHD. Dr Liz O’Nions, author of the study, said: “Only a small percentage of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning this study covers just a segment of the entire community.”
She added: “More of those who are diagnosed may have additional health problems compared to the average person with ADHD. Therefore, our research may over-estimate the life expectancy gap for people with ADHD overall, though more community-based research is needed to test whether this is the case.”
While symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, many adults diagnosed at a young age continue to experience issues. Additional problems such as sleep and anxiety disorders may also be present in individuals with ADHD.
Many children may show signs of restlessness or inattention, but according to the NHS, this doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD. They advise parents who are concerned about behaviour that seems different from most children their age to speak with their child’s teacher, the school’s special educational needs co-ordinator, or a GP.
Adults who suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD should also consult a GP. Although ADHD exact causes remain unclear, there is evidence of genetic links and brain differences in those with the condition.
Additional factors implicated in ADHD include birth complications and smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy. ADHD can be present in individuals of any intellectual level and more often in those with learning difficulties.
Management of ADHD in children involves education support, parent and child advice and support, and medication if required. Dr O’Nions emphasised the significance of addressing ADHD: “Although many people with ADHD live long and healthy lives, our finding that on average they are living shorter lives than they should indicates unmet support needs.”
She added, “It is crucial that we find out the reasons behind premature deaths so we can develop strategies to prevent these in future.”