New research has revealed a troubling connection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reduced life expectancy, raising fresh concerns about how the condition is diagnosed, treated and understood globally. A major UK-based study published in early 2025 found that adults with ADHD may live several years fewer than those without the disorder, making it one of the clearest assessments to date of the long-term health risks associated with ADHD.
The study, led by researchers at University College London, examined health data from over 30,000 adults diagnosed with ADHD and compared it with 300,000 adults without the condition. Findings showed that men with ADHD experienced an average reduction of 6.8 years in life expectancy, while women with ADHD lost about 8.6 years compared to the general population. These results echo earlier American and Scandinavian research and highlight ADHD as a lifelong condition that can have significant health implications if left unmanaged.
ADHD is commonly associated with childhood hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, and impulsiveness, but global medical bodies now recognize it as a condition that continues well into adulthood for millions of people. Around 3–4% of adults worldwide are estimated to have ADHD, but only a small percentage ever receive proper evaluation or treatment. Experts note that this treatment gap could partly explain why health outcomes worsen over time, as untreated symptoms often lead to patterns that increase long-term health risks.
Importantly, researchers emphasize that ADHD itself is not a biological “cause of death.” Instead, the condition tends to elevate risks in several areas, including smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and accidents. The increased chance of accidental injury, in particular, has been highlighted in previous studies, including a major Danish study that found people with ADHD were more than twice as likely to die prematurely, with accidents being the leading cause.
Specialists say impulsivity, one of the core features of ADHD, may be the connecting link. Impulsive behaviour can lead to dangerous driving, inconsistent use of prescribed medication, unhealthy eating patterns, difficulty maintaining routines, and increased vulnerability to substance misuse. These behaviours, over time, compound into serious health risks. Research by American psychologist Russell Barkley further supports this view, suggesting that untreated ADHD can reduce life expectancy by up to 13 years in severe cases. However, his work also provides hope: effective treatment, including medication, behavioural therapy, routine-building strategies, and consistent mental-health support, can minimize many of these risks and improve long-term outcomes.
Clinicians and advocacy groups argue that the new findings should serve as a wake-up call for governments and healthcare systems. They stress the need for faster diagnosis, greater awareness of adult ADHD and expanded access to specialists. Untreated ADHD in adults is often linked with unemployment, financial instability, addiction, relationship stress and chronic medical conditions, making early intervention critical. Still, experts caution that these statistics reflect averaged outcomes in large populations, not individual destinies. Most people with ADHD can and do lead successful, fulfilling lives, especially when they receive appropriate support. Instead of fuelling fear, researchers hope the findings will draw attention to a preventable health gap and help reduce stigma surrounding adult ADHD.
As awareness continues to grow, the challenge now is not only to diagnose ADHD earlier but also to ensure ongoing support that addresses both physical and mental well-being. The emerging message is clear: ADHD is not just a condition that affects attention or school performance; it is a public-health issue with significant implications. And with proper care, many of its long-term risks can be reduced, offering people with ADHD a fairer chance at a healthy, long life.
