Study details and key findings

Currently, CDC estimates that 15 million U.S. adults and 7 million children ages three to 17 have ADHD. Among adults, almost a third report taking ADHD stimulant medication.

For the study, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 observational studies, which included data from almost 16 million participants across three continents. The studies followed large numbers of participants with and without ADHD for several years, with some having follow-up periods of over 20 years.

Overall, the researchers found that people with ADHD had a 71% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without ADHD. Individuals with ADHD also had an 89% increased risk of suicide, a 55% increased risk of death from unintentional or intentional injury, and a 27% increased risk of death from natural causes.

According to the researchers, increased mortality among people with ADHD may have several underlying causes. For example, core traits of the condition like impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and risk-taking could contribute to injury. Coexisting mental health conditions, such as depression, could also increase the risk of suicide.

Previous research has also found that people with ADHD have higher rates of physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Mortality from natural causes may also be linked to risky behaviors like smoking or alcohol use.

However, the researchers also found that taking ADHD medication was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality — suggesting that effective treatment could help reduce some of the behavioral effects and health risks of the condition.  

Commentary

According to Joshua Stott, a professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London and the study's senior author, the study shows 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."

Stott also noted that "[w]hile ADHD diagnosis rates have risen in recent years, they may still lag behind actual prevalence, particularly for older age groups where mortality risk may be most pertinent."

"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, a research assistant in the University of Liverpool's department of psychology and the study's first author.

"Medication is just part of the story; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support," Corrigan added.

Overall, "[m]any people with ADHD face challenges throughout their lives, so equitable access to evidence-based assessment and treatment is vital to ensure they can live long, healthy lives," said Amber John, one of the study's senior authors from the University of Liverpool.