Shocking Study Reveals ADHD Could Cut Your Life Short by Up to 11 Years—Here’s Why
New research uncovers a startling link between ADHD and reduced life expectancy. Experts explain the risks, hidden dangers, and what can be done to close the lifespan gap.
A new study has revealed something surprising about a common mental health condition—it could actually shorten a person’s life.
According to research published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to those without the condition. The study was conducted by researchers at University College London, who analyzed health records of 30,029 adults in the U.K. with ADHD and compared them to data from 300,390 people without the diagnosis.
Their findings were striking: men with ADHD were found to live about 4.5 to 9 years less than their peers, while women with ADHD had an even bigger gap—6.5 to 11 years.
The researchers didn’t investigate the exact causes of this difference, but they shared some possible explanations. Professor Josh Stott, a senior author of the study, suggested that many people with ADHD struggle with untreated mental health issues, risky behaviors, and addictions, all of which could contribute to early death.
“People with ADHD often face challenges that can lead to higher risks, like difficulty accessing healthcare, struggles in school and work, and engaging in behaviors that may put their health in danger,” Stott explained.
Another factor could be that society isn’t built to accommodate people who think and process information differently. This could make it harder for those with ADHD to get the support they need in daily life, from education to employment.
One limitation of the study, Stott noted, is that it only included people who had been formally diagnosed with ADHD. Since many individuals go undiagnosed, the true impact could be even greater.
Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar, a psychiatrist based in Ohio and the chief medical officer at LifeStance Health, wasn’t involved in the study but found the findings to be crucial.
“This study fills a major gap in our understanding of ADHD’s impact on life expectancy,” he said. “It’s the first to use actual mortality data instead of predictions based on self-reports.”
According to Ramtekkar, ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adults—only about one in nine cases are identified. This means that many people with the condition might be unaware they have it, missing out on necessary treatment.
“This study confirms what we’ve long suspected and gives us a clearer picture of the health risks associated with ADHD,” he added.
Another key finding is that ADHD rarely exists on its own. The research highlights that adults with ADHD are more likely to experience other health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and even heart disease. Additionally, many struggle with harmful habits like smoking, substance use, and poor sleep—all of which can contribute to a shorter lifespan.
However, Ramtekkar pointed out that ADHD itself isn’t the direct cause of early death. “It’s not ADHD that’s cutting lives short—it’s the untreated symptoms and the lifestyle risks that come with it. And that’s something we can work to prevent.”
What Can Be Done?
Experts believe that to reduce ADHD-related health risks, healthcare systems need to be better equipped to support neurodivergent individuals. This means training medical professionals to understand ADHD more deeply and making it easier for people with ADHD to access treatment.
But support shouldn’t stop at healthcare. Stott emphasized that life expectancy isn’t just about medical care—it’s also shaped by factors like education and job opportunities.
“If we can build schools and workplaces that accommodate ADHD, we’ll not only improve lives but also benefit society as a whole,” he said. “People with ADHD are often highly creative and energetic. If they’re supported properly, they can achieve incredible things.”
Ramtekkar also highlighted the importance of reducing the stigma around ADHD.
“ADHD isn’t about being lazy or unmotivated—it’s a real condition with real challenges,” he explained.
He encouraged families and friends to be aware of ADHD symptoms and to support their loved ones in getting the help they need. Small but meaningful actions—like helping someone stick to a daily routine, encouraging regular doctor visits, and promoting healthier habits like good sleep and exercise—can make a big difference.
“The more we support people with ADHD, the more we can close the life expectancy gap,” Ramtekkar said.
This research serves as a wake-up call. ADHD isn’t just about attention difficulties—it has real, long-term effects on health and lifespan. But with better awareness, earlier diagnosis, and stronger support systems, those effects don’t have to be permanent.
