A new study published by Cambridge University Press on Thursday found individuals with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a shorter life expectancy.
The survey’s research discovered male participants with ADHD were likely to live seven years less than their counterparts. Female participants diagnosed with the disorder were likely to have their lifespan cut by 8 years, it found.
“The evidence that people with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should is extremely concerning, and highlights unmet support needs that require urgent attention,” the study’s authors wrote in the implications section.
“People with ADHD are more likely to experience various forms of adversity.”
Their research found those with an ADHD diagnosis may pick up health-adverse habits such as smoking or risk-taking behaviors that may increase the likelihood of premature death.
The study used the life-table method to calculate the life-expectancy deficit for people with diagnosed ADHD using data from UK primary care.
