How ADHD Can Cut Life Expectancy by Nearly a Decade: What You Need to Know
ADHD is twice as detrimental to your life expectancy as people who smoke twenty or more cigarettes a day. - Dr. Russell A. Barkley, PhD
I was having coffee with a friend, and she shared her recent ADHD diagnosis. She talked about how it had changed her perspective on herself and how she felt. Then she mentioned a fact her psychiatrist had shared, which left me stunned: people with ADHD have a reduced life expectancy, on average between 9 to 13 years! The gravity of that fact really hit me. I had heard about the “ADHD Tax,” but I hadn’t heard of or even thought of this, so I started to dig.
You might think ADHD is just a childhood issue, something kids grow out of, but the reality is far more complex and serious. It turns out, ADHD can actually shorten a person's life by nearly a decade. Let’s explore why this happens and why it’s crucial for everyone, whether you have ADHD or not, to understand this.
The Startling Connection Between ADHD and Life Expectancy
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects both children and adults. It's characterized by difficulty in maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Recent studies, like those by Dr. Russell A. Barkley, reveal a startling link: people with ADHD live, on average, 9 to 13 years less than those without it. That’s not just a statistic; it's a call to action.
Why Does ADHD Affect Life Expectancy?
The reasons are both straightforward and multifaceted:
Accidents and Injuries: People with ADHD are more prone to accidents, particularly car accidents, due to impulsive behavior and inattention. It's not just an inconvenience; it's a life-threatening risk—if you’ve been in a car with my partner, you know what I’m talking about!
Substance Abuse: There’s a higher chance of developing substance use disorders among individuals with ADHD. This includes problems with drugs and alcohol, which can lead to overdoses, health complications, and fatal accidents. Why could this be the case? I’m not sure. I would hypothesize that it could be dealing with the secondary anxiety or depression that ADHD might lead to, issues with dopamine and reward, dealing with feelings of not feeling good enough, or being unable to do simple things that neurotypicals can.
Mental Health Challenges: ADHD often comes with other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. There’s a high comorbidity; in my personal experience, hyperactivity of the mind can manifest as anxiety, and how you feel about yourself not being able to perform simple tasks can lead to depression. These conditions can make life even more challenging and increase the risk of suicide and other harmful behaviors.
Lifestyle Factors: People with ADHD may struggle with maintaining healthy habits. Poor diets and lack of exercise lead to obesity and related health problems like heart disease and diabetes, which can significantly reduce life expectancy.
Why This Matters to You
This information is crucial, whether you have ADHD or not. If you have ADHD, understanding these risks empowers you to take proactive steps. Knowing about the higher risk of accidents can make you more cautious, and being aware of the potential for substance abuse can encourage you to seek support early. Early diagnosis and treatment are key. Effective management through behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life.
Why Everyone Should Care
Even if you don’t have ADHD, being aware of these issues is important. It helps reduce stigma and promotes understanding. A lot of people tell me they don’t “believe in ADHD.” And I’m here to say that it is real—you can compare brain scans of people with and without it. And it can cause a significant decrease in longevity. ADHD is more than just being easily distracted or overly energetic. It’s a serious condition with serious consequences. Awareness encourages supportive behaviors from friends, family members, and colleagues of those with ADHD, fostering a more inclusive environment.
For those without ADHD, being informed fosters empathy and support for friends, family, or colleagues dealing with this condition. Understanding the serious impacts of ADHD encourages a more compassionate and inclusive environment for everyone.
Making a Difference
So, how can we bridge the gap between knowing these risks and actually doing something about them? Here are three steps to consider:
Understanding the increased mortality risk associated with ADHD is the first step. The next crucial step is taking action to mitigate these risks. Here are several practical steps that individuals, families, healthcare providers, and communities can take:
For Individuals with ADHD:
Seek Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
Recognize Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Consult Healthcare Professionals: If you suspect you or a loved one has ADHD, seek a professional evaluation and diagnosis.
Follow Treatment Plans: Adhere to prescribed treatments, which may include medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
Balanced Diet: Maintain a nutritious diet to support overall health and manage ADHD symptoms.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve physical health and reduce stress.
Adequate Sleep: Ensure consistent and sufficient sleep to improve focus and mood.
Safety Precautions:
Avoid Risky Behaviors: Be mindful of impulsive actions that can lead to accidents or injuries.
Safe Driving Practices: Take extra precautions when driving, such as avoiding distractions and adhering to traffic laws.
Mental Health Support:
Therapy and Counseling: Seek counseling or therapy to manage comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression.
Support Groups: Join ADHD support groups to share experiences and gain support from others facing similar challenges.
For Families and Caregivers:
Education and Awareness:
Learn About ADHD: Educate yourself about ADHD to better understand the condition and its impact.
Advocate for Support: Advocate for appropriate accommodations and support in educational and occupational settings.
Create a Supportive Environment:
Structure and Routine: Establish a structured daily routine to provide stability and reduce stress.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and boost self-esteem.
Monitor and Assist with Treatment:
Medication Management: Help ensure medication is taken as prescribed and monitor for any side effects.
Attend Appointments: Accompany your loved one to medical and therapy appointments for support and to stay informed.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding that ADHD can reduce life expectancy by nearly a decade highlights the importance of recognizing it as a serious, lifelong condition. Addressing the various risk factors through early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support can help improve the quality of life and longevity for individuals with ADHD. And for those without ADHD, this knowledge fosters empathy, reduces stigma, and encourages support. Together, we can create a more understanding and supportive world for everyone affected by ADHD.
As we stand at the edge of this understanding, the leap we need to take is one of awareness and action. It's not a leap into the unknown, but a jump towards a better, more informed future. Let's make that jump together.
CHADD. (2021). Health Outcomes of ADHD: Is There an Effect on Life Expectancy? Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Retrieved from https://chadd.org/attention-article/health-outcomes-of-adhd-is-there-an-effect-on-life-expectancy/.
Carlat Report. (2020). Reduced Life Expectancy in ADHD. The Carlat Report. Retrieved from https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/3096-reduced-life-expectancy-in-adhd.