Common disorder linked to 70% higher death rate, but medication may offer protection

People diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a roughly 71% higher overall risk of early death compared to those without the condition, according to a new review published in JAMA Network Open.

However, taking prescription ADHD medication may offer a protective benefit, lowering overall risk of death, the review found.

Researchers analyzed data from 19 observational studies involving nearly 16 million people across three continents to evaluate the long-term effects associated with the condition.

DEMENTIA RISK MORE THAN QUADRUPLES AMONG ADULTS WITH COMMON DISORDER The review considered both unnatural causes of death, such as injuries and suicide, and natural causes, including physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Across all categories, individuals with ADHD experienced elevated mortality rates compared to those 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," senior author Joshua Stott, professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London (UCL), said in a press release.

The risk of death from suicide was nearly doubled, showing an 89% increase, while the risk of dying from intentional or unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, was 55% higher, the study found.

HEAVY DRINKING SURGES AMONG AMERICANS IN ONE AGE GROUP AS OTHER GENERATIONS CUT BACK There was also a 27% higher risk of death from natural causes among people with ADHD.

The increased risk of death from natural causes was often tied to long-term health risks like smoking and substance use , as well as executive function challenges that can make it harder to manage chronic conditions, attend doctor’s appointments and follow treatment plans.

In one analysis, researchers checked whether medical treatment changed overall mortality rates.

Among people with ADHD, those taking prescribed ADHD medication had a 25% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those not taking medication, suggesting that effective treatment may lower some of the behavioral effects and health risks associated with the condition.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition, as the right support and treatment can help people live long and healthy lives," Stott said.

"Our findings underscore the importance of ensuring that everyone who may have ADHD has access to accurate diagnosis and treatment ." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized several key limitations.