A groundbreaking study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed that adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a reduced life expectancy. This pioneering research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed anonymized primary care data from 30,029 adults in the UK with a diagnosis of ADHD, comparing them to a control group of 300,390 individuals without the condition, matched by age, sex, and primary care practice.

The findings indicate that men with diagnosed ADHD could see a reduction in life expectancy ranging from 4.5 to 9 years, while women may face a more significant decrease, estimated between 6.5 and 11 years.

Josh Stott, a senior author of the study and Professor at UCL’s Psychology & Language Sciences department, expressed concern over these findings. He stated, “It is deeply troubling that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. Individuals with ADHD possess numerous strengths and can flourish with appropriate support and treatment. Unfortunately, many lack the necessary resources and are more prone to experiencing stressful life events and social isolation, which can adversely affect their health and self-esteem.”

The research also highlighted a significant issue: fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD have actually been diagnosed. This suggests that the study may only capture a small fraction of the total ADHD population within the adult demographic.

Professor Stott noted, “Previous studies indicate that the prevalence of ADHD traits in the community is much higher than what we observed in our sample. This discrepancy suggests that many individuals are going undiagnosed.”

ADHD is characterized by differences in attention regulation, often leading to high energy levels and the ability to focus intensely on areas of interest. However, those with ADHD may struggle with mundane tasks, resulting in impulsivity, restlessness, and challenges in planning and time management. These difficulties can hinder academic and professional success, leading to long-term challenges. While ADHD begins in childhood, it is increasingly recognized that symptoms can persist into adulthood.

In the UK, ADHD treatment for adults lags behind that of other high-income countries, with a notable lack of resources for support. This study is the first to estimate life expectancy among UK adults diagnosed with ADHD. However, the researchers cautioned that their findings might overestimate the reduction in life expectancy due to the potential under diagnosis of ADHD, particularly in adults. My personal take is that those with more extreme life “interruptions” are more likely to seek a diagnosis and treatment, therefore leaving this population to be more of the “extreme”. Additionally, it should be noted the study did not examine the health implications of the medications often used to treat ADHD.

Lead author Dr. Liz O’Nions, from UCL Psychology & Language Sciences and the Bradford Institute for Health Research, stated, “A small percentage of adults with ADHD have received a formal diagnosis, which means this study only represents a segment of the entire ADHD community. Those diagnosed may also have additional health issues compared to the average individual with ADHD. Consequently, our research could overestimate the life expectancy gap, indicating a need for more community-based studies to clarify this issue.”

A previous national survey revealed that one-third of adults aged 16-64 with ADHD traits were receiving medications or counseling for mental health issues, compared to just 11% of those without ADHD. Alarmingly, nearly 8% of individuals screening positive for ADHD reported that they had sought specific mental health treatment in the last year but did not receive it, in contrast to only 1% of those who did not screen positively.

These statistics suggest that while adults with ADHD are reaching out for help, available services are often inadequately equipped to provide the necessary support, despite recognition of the condition’s impact in NHS guidelines.

Dr. O’Nions emphasized the importance of addressing this issue: “While many individuals with ADHD lead long and healthy lives, our findings indicate that, on average, they are living shorter lives than they should. It is vital to identify the causes of premature deaths within this population so we can develop effective prevention strategies.”

The study’s limitations include the lack of information regarding the causes of death, which prevents the researchers from attributing years of life lost to specific factors. Additionally, the scarcity of specialized services for adult ADHD assessment in the UK may result in a sample that overrepresents individuals with co-occurring mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions, potentially skewing the results.

It is essential to recognize that the findings of this study may not be applicable to other countries such as the US, due to a higher diagnosis rate here, time periods, or contexts.

Additional Sources not linked in article:
University College London
Journal Reference: O’Nions, E., et al. (2025). Life expectancy and years of life lost for adults with diagnosed ADHD in the UK: matched cohort study. The British Journal of Psychiatry.

ADHD Support in Boulder

Community Mental Health Resources

This article was written by Alyx Luck Barnett, ND (NourishED Research Foundation Chief of Operations (COO)

Dr. Barnett is a dedicated mother, naturopathic doctor (ND), healthcare provider, and consultant with extensive experience in clinical practice, business development, and community health advocacy. She holds a Research Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Bachelor of Business
Administration (B.B.A.) in Marketing/Marketing Management, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutrition Sciences, reflecting her holistic and multi-faceted approach to wellness.

In her career, Dr. Barnett has worked to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through a combination of evidence-based practices and personalized care. Her expertise spans healthcare provision, consulting, and nutrition, and she is deeply committed to promoting balanced, healthy lifestyles.

Currently residing in Damascus, Virginia, Dr. Barnett draws inspiration from her role as a mother of two under four, and her love for nature, including the scenic landscapes of Colorado, which align with her values of vitality and connection to the natural world. Her work reflects a passion for integrating wellness into everyday life, making her a trusted advocate and leader in the health and wellness field.

This content was provided by the NourishED Research Foundation (NRFi), a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and directed by Boulder local Brenna Bray, PhD. If you’d like to to see more content like this, please consider making a tax-exempt donation (www.nourishedrfi.org/donate).

Alyx Barnett Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Birthkeeper

Dr. Barnett is a dedicated mother, naturopathic doctor (ND), BirthKeeper, and consultant with extensive experience in clinical practice, business development, and community health advocacy. She holds a Research Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Marketing/Marketing Management, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutrition Sciences, reflecting her holistic and multi-faceted approach to wellness.