A review of nearly 16 million people found substantially higher risks of death among those with ADHD, while early evidence suggests medication could reduce mortality.
A major new review has found that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is linked to a higher risk of early death, while medication may help reduce that risk.
Researchers from the University of Liverpool and University College London analysed 19 studies covering nearly 16 million people across three continents, in work published in JAMA Network Open. The review found that people with ADHD had a higher rate of death from any cause than those without the condition, with especially elevated risks for suicide and injury-related deaths.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence that ADHD can have consequences beyond learning, behaviour and concentration. According to the study, people with ADHD had a 70% higher rate of death from any cause, a 90% higher rate of death by suicide and a 55% higher rate of death from injuries, whether accidental or intentional. Deaths from natural causes were also 27% higher. The authors said the pattern reflects a mix of factors, including mental health problems, emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviour, higher exposure to disadvantage and stigma, and difficulties accessing consistent healthcare.
Professor Joshua Stott, a senior author from UCL, said the results showed that the impact of ADHD is broader than many people realise. He said the condition is “not by definition a life-limiting condition” and argued that accurate diagnosis and treatment can help people live long, healthy lives. The study also found early evidence that medication could matter: among people with ADHD, those taking medication appeared to have a 25% lower risk of death. But the researchers cautioned that this part of the analysis was based on only three studies, so it should be treated carefully.
Lucy Corrigan, the study’s first author at the University of Liverpool, said the findings point to a possible protective effect from treatment, but that medication is only one part of the picture. Amber John, a lecturer in psychology at Liverpool, said equitable access to evidence-based assessment and treatment is essential, because many people with ADHD face challenges throughout their lives. Earlier research cited by the team has also linked ADHD to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes and cancer, suggesting that the condition may be connected to long-term physical as well as mental health risks. A separate 2024 study in JAMA had already indicated that starting ADHD medication was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, supporting the idea that treatment may improve outcomes.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
