Adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may live shorter lives than they should, according to the first UK-wide study led by UCL researchers.
The study, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analysed anonymised primary care data from 30,029 adults in the UK diagnosed with ADHD.
They then compared this group with 300,390 participants without ADHD, who were matched for age, sex and primary care practice.
Researchers found an apparent reduction in life expectancy for men with diagnosed ADHD of between 4.5 and 9 years, and between 6.5 and 11 years for women.
Lead author Professor Josh Stott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said: “It is very concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should.
“People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment. However, they often lack support and are more likely to experience adverse life events and social exclusion, which can negatively impact their health and self-esteem.”
The study also found that fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD were diagnosed – meaning only a fraction of the total population of adults with ADHD could be studied.
Professor Stott added: “We know from population traits studies and from childhood diagnosis studies that the rate of ADHD in our sample is only a fraction of what it should be.”
People with ADHD show differences in the way they focus their attention. They often have high energy and the ability to concentrate intensely on what interests them. However, they may find it difficult to focus on everyday tasks.
This can lead to increased impulsivity, restlessness and differences in planning and time management, which can make it harder to succeed at school and work and can lead to longer-term problems. ADHD begins in childhood and it is increasingly recognised that it persists into adulthood.
Compared to other high-income countries, ADHD in adults is under-treated in the UK, and there is insufficient funding for support.
It is the first time researchers have estimated the life expectancy of adults in the UK diagnosed with ADHD.
However, they point out that the new study may overestimate the average reduction in life expectancy for people with ADHD, as ADHD – especially in adults – is often undiagnosed.
Lead author Dr. Liz O’Nions (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences and Bradford Institute for Health Research) said: “Only a small percentage of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed, meaning this study only covers a portion of the whole community.
“Compared to the average person with ADHD, more of the diagnosed individuals have additional health problems. Therefore, our study might overstate the life expectancy gap for people with ADHD overall, although further community-based research is needed to see if this is the case.
Currently, there is a lack of specialist services in the UK to support adults with ADHD.
For example, a previous national survey of adults aged 16 to 64 found that a third of individuals with ADHD traits were taking medication or receiving counselling for a mental health problem, compared with 11% of individuals without ADHD.
Almost 8% of individuals with a positive ADHD screen reported that they had sought but not received specific mental health treatment in the last 12 months, compared with just 1% of individuals without a positive screen.
This suggests that adults with ADHD are accessing services, but they are unable to support them, even though the impact of ADHD and the need to recognise and treat it are acknowledged in NHS guidelines.
This is an important concern, as treatment and support for ADHD are linked to better outcomes, such as fewer mental health problems and less substance misuse.
Dr. O’Nions said: “Although many people with ADHD live long and healthy lives, our finding that they live shorter lives on average than they should suggests an unmet need for support. It is crucial that we find out the reasons for premature deaths so that we can develop strategies to prevent them in the future.”
