ADHD medication cuts early death risk by a quarter, study finds

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 23:20 · Archive

ADHD is linked to a 70% higher risk of early death, but medication appears to reduce this risk significantly.

A major review of 19 studies involving nearly 16 million people across three continents has found that people with ADHD face a roughly 70% higher risk of early death compared to those without the condition, according to research published in JAMA Network Open.

The increased mortality risk spans multiple categories. The risk of death by suicide is roughly 90% higher, whilst the risk of death from intentional or unintentional injuries such as motor vehicle accidents is about 50% higher. There is also a 30% higher risk of death from natural causes including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The review found that taking prescription ADHD medication offers significant protection against these risks. Fox News reports the medication is tied to a 25% lower mortality risk overall. Joshua Stott, professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London, said the findings show that health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are 'broad and wide-ranging'. The authors emphasise the importance of accessible diagnosis and treatment for ADHD across the lifespan.

How it is being reported

• Common disorder linked to 70% higher death rate, but medication may offer protectionADHD medication was tied to a 25% lower mortality risk in a JAMA Network Open review examining nearly 16 million people across three continents.Fox News · 20 Oct, 23:05
• ADHD Medication Could Slash Death Risk, Huge Study FindsAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often linked to symptoms like fidgeting and having trouble focusing. But in one study, it was also associated with a greater risk of 34 of 35 physical health conditions – including alcohol-related liver disease, sleep disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And according to a new review published in JAMA Network Open , ADHD seems connected to a greater risk of early death, too. However, medication appears to decrease this likelihood. The review involved 19 studies and millions of participants Researchers looked at data from…HuffPost UK · 20 Oct, 16:30

In this story: JAMA Network Open · University College London · Joshua Stott

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