Recent research on the impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on life expectancy includes several key findings: 1. **Reduction in Life Expectancy**: - A study by UCL researchers found that adults with ADHD have a reduced life expectancy by 4.5 to 9 years for men and 6.5 to 11 years for women compared to individuals without ADHD[1]. - Research led by Søren Dalsgaard from Aarhus University in Denmark showed that ADHD doubles the risk of premature death, with a higher mortality rate for women[2]. - Russell Barkley’s research suggested a 9.6-year reduction in estimated healthy life expectancy and an 8.4-year reduction in total life expectancy for individuals with ADHD[3]. 2. **Late Diagnosis and Comorbidities**: - Late diagnosis in adulthood is associated with a higher risk of premature death, suggesting that ADHD persisting into adulthood may represent a more severe form of the disorder[2]. - The presence of comorbidities such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, or substance use disorder further increases the mortality risk in individuals with ADHD[2]. 3. **Treatment and Mortality Risk**: - A study published in *JAMA* found that individuals treated with ADHD medication had a 19% lower risk of death compared to those with untreated ADHD[4]. 4. **Reversibility of Risks**: - Russell Barkley emphasizes that many risk factors impacting life expectancy in ADHD, such as impulsivity and inattention, are changeable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment[5]. These studies underscore the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment of ADHD to mitigate the risks associated with reduced life expectancy.
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