Attention 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 over 15.9 million participants across 19 studies in this review – an enormous sample size. Results from 12 of these studies were pooled together to estimate the risk of early mortality among those with ADHD.
Overall, stats in this sample suggested people with the condition faced a 70% higher-than-average risk of death in general. That figure rose to 90% for suicide hazard, and sat at 50% for unintentional or intentional injury fatalities.
So far, these findings were similar to those seen in another 2022 review.
However, the newer review suggested those with ADHD faced a 30% higher likelihood of dying from natural causes, too, which was not suggested in the former study. According to the 2026 authors, “this difference may reflect the inclusion of more recently published studies or differences in the studies and effect estimates included”.
No matter the cause of death, though, taking appropriate ADHD medication seemed to lower affected people’s risk “significantly”.
“This finding reinforces the importance of accessible diagnosis and treatment for ADHD across the lifespan,” the paper reads.
Why might appropriate medications lower risk of death among those with ADHD?
This study only found a link between ADHD medication use and a lower risk of death. But its authors pointed to previous research that showed appropriate ADHD medication use may reduce the risk of injury, mental health conditions, suicidal behaviour and death by suicide, and substance use disorders.
A separate study has suggested that among those with ADHD, the benefits of taking the right medication significantly outweigh the risks.
However, the researchers in the JAMA Network Open paper cautioned that only three of the studies they reviewed contributed to the finding about medication’s risk-reducing benefits. And confounding factors, like access to healthcare and socioeconomic status, might affect how easily people with ADHD can access medication, too.
The review concluded: “These results reinforce the importance of targeted intervention and access to diagnosis and treatment for ADHD individuals across the lifespan”.
Does this mean unmedicated ADHD will definitely lead to an early death?
No, said Dr Claudia Aymerich, a consultant psychiatrist at Berkeley Psychiatrists.
Speaking to HuffPost UK, the expert explained: “The review found that, across large groups of people, those with ADHD had a higher hazard of dying from any cause than those without it, at 71% higher.”
But that doesn’t mean everyone with ADHD is 71% more likely than every single person without it. “This is a relative measure comparing groups, not a prediction of an individual’s lifespan,” Dr Aymerich clarified.
ADHD can indeed affect things like attention, impulse control and planning, which may contribute to certain risks for some people, she note. But “mortality is influenced by many factors, including physical health, co-occurring mental health conditions and access to appropriate care.
“These findings should encourage improved recognition, treatment and support for people with ADHD, not lead to the assumption that everyone with the diagnosis will have a shorter life.”
The expert continued to say that she found the data about ADHD medication “encouraging”, as it showed a 25% lower hazard of death from any cause among people who needed it. But like the study’s researchers, she also stressed that this paper only found a link and not a cause.
“Medication can help many people manage ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity, although its effects vary between individuals. We cannot conclude from this review alone that medication directly reduces mortality or guarantee that it will protect someone from adverse outcomes,” she ended.
“What matters is ensuring people have access to timely assessment, appropriate treatment and ongoing support tailored to their needs. Anyone considering medication should discuss its potential benefits and risks with their prescribing clinician”.