Adults with ADHD may have reduced lifespans due to lack of support.\
A new study reveals that adults diagnosed with ADHD may have a shorter life expectancy compared to those without the condition. Researchers at University College London (UCL) studied health data from over 30,000 adults in the UK who were diagnosed with ADHD. They found that men with ADHD may live between 4.5 to 9 years less, and women with ADHD could lose between 6.5 to 11 years of life. This finding is concerning as it highlights the significant health impact ADHD may have beyond the challenges of focus, attention, and behavior.
ADHD, which is characterized by symptoms like impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty in focusing on tasks that aren’t of immediate interest, can often cause setbacks in personal, social, and work-related situations. These difficulties tend to continue into adulthood, and research has increasingly shown that ADHD doesn’t simply disappear with age. In fact, many adults with ADHD continue to experience these challenges, which can take a toll on their mental and physical health. It’s possible that living with these ongoing struggles, without the right support, may contribute to a reduction in overall life expectancy.
The study compared adults with diagnosed ADHD to a control group without ADHD, matching them by age, sex, and other factors. However, researchers also note that ADHD is frequently underdiagnosed, especially in adults. This means that the study may not have captured the full extent of the condition’s impact on the general population, as a large number of adults with ADHD may remain undiagnosed and untreated. As a result, the life expectancy gap seen in this study might be an overestimation of what the overall population with ADHD experiences.
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In the UK, adults with ADHD are often not diagnosed or treated in the same way as children. This lack of proper diagnosis and care is a significant concern for public health. The study found that fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD had received a diagnosis, meaning that only a small portion of people with the condition had been identified and studied. Those who have been diagnosed may also have more health problems than others, which could contribute to the shorter life expectancy.
Experts believe that the lack of support services for adults with ADHD may be part of the reason for these worrying findings. Even though ADHD can lead to difficulties in managing time and completing tasks, when people with the condition have access to treatment and support, they can still lead fulfilling lives. For many people, however, such help is not easily accessible. Research indicates that people with ADHD are more likely to experience mental health issues and substance use problems, conditions that could contribute to the reduced life expectancy. Having the right treatment can reduce these risks, yet ADHD is often treated less in adults than in children, especially in the UK.
The study’s authors stress that while the findings are troubling, many adults with ADHD do live long, healthy lives. However, the study reveals that those who do not have access to appropriate support may be at a higher risk of early death. Experts believe that further research is needed to determine the exact reasons behind these premature deaths and to identify ways to better support people with ADHD.
Dr. Liz O’Nions, one of the lead researchers, explained that the study was based on adults who had been diagnosed, but the actual number of adults with ADHD is likely much higher. She also pointed out that a large number of adults who could benefit from care and treatment may not be receiving it. This gap in care needs to be addressed to improve health outcomes for people with ADHD.
This research raises awareness about the significant impact of ADHD on life expectancy, pointing to the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment, and support services for adults living with this condition, which can ultimately help them to live healthier, longer lives.
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