People diagnosed with (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 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
The review considered both unnatural causes of death, such as injuries and suicide, and natural causes, including physical health conditions like 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 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
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 , 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 may lower some of the behavioral effects and health risks associated with the condition
"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 "
Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized several key limitations
All included studies were observational, meaning the results show associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships
The findings on ADHD medication came from just three of the 19 studies, so those results are still preliminary and based on a much smaller group of people
Results also varied widely across individual studies due to differences in diagnostic criteria, healthcare access and tracking methods, while underlying factors such as socioeconomic status and other mental health conditions were not controlled across data sets
"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 is needed to clarify this link," first author Lucy Corrigan, a research assistant in the University of Liverpool’s Department of Psychology, said in the same press release
"Medication is just part of the story; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support"